Bloodshot Bill | The Hazytones

Show: Bloodshot Bill + The Hazytones
Venue: Beat & Betterave, in Frelighsburg
Date: Saturday, April 23rd, 2016

JJ couldn't help himself. He had to comment on the crowd's oddness at Beat & Betterave. "Le LSD a encore cours par ici"* he tells me. Among us, a lady in her 60's (or 70's) dancing with limbs flying around. The Hazytones were playing.

It's still early when we arrive. I have a fondness for this venue with all its windows and breathtaking view. The place is not yet packed. Nevertheless we stand by the washroom which results in people continuously asking me if am waiting in line to pee. This includes Bloodshot Bill who has failed twice to secure his spot.

As they step on stage, The Hazytones warn us "It's more heavy than Bloodshot Bill". Ok am warned. Am scared. Turns out it's not that heavy and I lose interest. I watch the odd crowd dance instead. Shouldn't judge though. Am strange too.

Bloodshot Bill is next and it's as good as it has ever been.

At some point a lady joins him on the platform. No idea what she's asking him to do but he replies with a "I'll try". "Maudite groupie" someone murmurs among the crowd.

Bloodshot Bill's performance is wild even as he is sitting on a chair. One song sang in French, couldn't understand much. The night ends and half the crowd by the stage is moshing (half of the crowd = 15 people. It's a small venue).

Bloodshot Bill

I purchase both of Bloodshot Bill's vinyl** and as we drive home I curse myself for not using the washroom one last time. The land and shack JJ owns has no running water. There's a limit to being hippie.


*LSD use is still frequent in the area
** Actually JJ is the one purchasing but he's too shy to approach BB so I do all the exchanging. 

Bleached | No Parents | The Muscadettes

Show: Bleached + No Parents + The Muscadettes
Venue: Ritz PDB, Montreal
Date: Saturday, April 16th, 2016

Arrived at 9h30. No Parents had started. Two minutes later V joins me. We're at the back of the venue. Don't know what to think of the band playing. The lyrics are disturbing. Then again the music is quite catchy, good drumming, good everything. Screaming people on stage is great. You somehow think you are also yelling, it feels good.



Reasonably fun until some guy next to us starts screaming "shut up!" at the band. Continuously. Didn't hear any of this though 'cause both my ears were full of earwax. Just saw V in a heated discussion with the guy. Turns out she told him to quit it, he named her a cunt, she called him a dick, and so on. She seemed alright with the whole situation though, had a smile on her face and ended up chatting with his friend about Brit Pop.

The set is soon ending, the bass player removes his shirt to reveal the setlist on his chest (they didn't know what song they were playing next). V is still talking with the Brit Pop guy, I go get a beer.

As they leave the stage, the guy screams "fuck you" to the band. This is what V tells me (I still can't hear).

Last set, Bleached. They're great. Good vibes and flowers on stage.



No Parents band members join them for a few songs. Singer Jennifer Clavin explains how No Parents' van broke down in Boston leaving one member behind with the vehicle. Both bands end up sharing a van on the trip to Montreal. Good times, she tells us, despite the lack of space.

Bleached with a few No Parents

Micayla Grace on bass

There's something joyful about watching Bleached play on stage. One fan in the first row is uncommonly enjoying the night, singing along to every song on the setlist. Rather cute.

He brought a board.

The concert is coming to an end. Two girls from the crowd step on stage. Everybody is headbanging.

Bleached and crowd

We leave the Ritz. V has never been so alive. Am thinking she takes pleasure in arguing with people (or maybe it's just talking about Brit Pop). Whatever it is, am kinda happy she's my friend.

China

Ought + Wreckage With Stick + Caro Diaro

Show: Ought | Wreckage With Stick | Caro Diaro
Venue: La Sala Rossa
Date: Friday, April 8th, 2016

I know I haven't written anything lately. I've been to a few shows in the past months. Some good, but sometimes life changes you and therefore you decide to sleep instead of exhausting all that energy. These days collages have been my means of expression.

Love this blog though. I won't quit.

JJ and I bought tickets for this event quite in advance. I've never seen Ought in concert because, well, I haven't payed attention to them until a few months ago when I purchased More Than Any Other Day. Which I love.

The first set. Caro Diaro. Watched her perform before at the Ritz. The reason we arrived early really. Didn't want to miss this set. I know she's alone on stage with only voice and guitar. She could use some extra instruments. But what she gives is good. Manages to play different musical styles without losing herself. The crowd may say, not paying attention to her subtleties, it all sounds the same. It doesn't. There's anger and there's country music. Loved her country song. The evening might have begun with the crowd conversing instead of listening but as the set ended the floor was quiet.

Caro Diaro

Second act. Wreckage With Stick. Punk. Loved it at first but had to leave before the end. Couldn't take it anymore. Walked to the bar and bought us some beers. The singer, Matthew D. Reading, reminds me of a character in a Daniel Clowes graphic novel with lyrics such as "I tried, I tried and I failed" repeated over and over. Only this guy is very theatrical and puts on quite a show (until you're too depressed to keep on watching). At the far right of the stage you have someone eating pasta with a glass of wine. A guy in a alien mask had served him the chicken. This caused JJ to react. Asked me if I thought we had aliens with us here at the venue. JJ is weird sometimes. Talked to him about prostate cancer and he starts singing "avec mes grosses couilles" from Philippe Katherine's "Efféminé".

Wreckage With Stick

Main act. Ought. By this time my eyes are small. Have small eyes because either I drink too much or my body needs a bed. Had only two beers that evening. The singer Tim Darcy is captivating. Like with the other two performers that evening, the emotions vocally are palpable. There's so much going out of that thin frame.

Ought

We left the venue for the cold air (we're in April damn it) thinking of my bed. I'll be slowly resurfacing though. We all will. Summer is on its way.

The Sadies | Li'l Andy | Bar le Ritz PDB

Show: The Sadies + Li'l Andy

Venue: Ritz PDB, Montreal

Date: Saturday, January 30th, 2016

Heading to the Ritz on Jean-Talon street, it's a relatively warm winter evening. Am meeting my usual concert partner, V, although am a bit late due to falling asleep in bed. V's been different these days. She's lost patience with foolishness at some times. The crowd gets on her nerves. Comprehensible though. We have a hard time moving from one point to other without having to excuse ourselves for pushing someone aside. No budging that evening. 

 photo Johann Schlager

The first set is Li’l Andy with band. They don't disappoint. 

Have seen them perform twice already. First at the Petit Campus with someone wanting to steal the guitars (“it’s a joke” he kept assuring me). Second time at the 2015 FME where I fell on the sidewalk in front of band and attending crowd. This performance: everything is perfect. Li’l Andy and his band are on fire throughout the whole set. I particularly enjoyed the violinist’s, Joshua Zubot, solo on "See the Train Arrive".

The Sadies. I might’ve been the only one in the crowd that hadn’t seen them perform before. 

Dallas Good
photo Véronique Côté

Travis Good
photo Johann Schlager

Great music without a doubt. A generous band, playing a long set. Dallas Good’s voice is a beauty. (Having said that I’ll add, with embarrassment, they are on automatic pilot. Completely normal though. Right? When you do so many shows in a year? The roaring crowd did motivate them however. It includes my work colleague by the bar jumping up and down like a kid in front of a candy store.) The thing is the music is so grand, any other bumps are unimportant. For fans that is.

A wonderful evening all in all.

On the way back home, I notice a blind man (sunglasses and stick) walking in the middle of the street. We’re on the corner of Clark and Jean-Talon. Cars are swerving by. “Do you know where you’re walking?” I scream. Of course I say the wrong thing. He’s insulted. He advances towards me and tells me he doesn’t know since he’s blind (duh, China). By being next to me he’s now, thank goodness, off the street. The bus driver dropped him off on the corner of Saint-Laurent and Jean-Talon, one street away from where he actually asked to descend. Clark street et Saint-Laurent blvd aren’t the same in width which explains why he was in the middle of the street. I walk with him to Saint-Laurent blvd. Once there he asks me to continue with him South on Saint-Laurent until Saint-Zotique. I tell him I can’t (I feel bad), because I don’t want to miss the last train. Luckily, I spot someone else heading home from The Sadies’ performance and plead with my eyes (so my pleads can't be heard) to help the blind guy out. 

Living in Montreal is inexpensive. The nightlife and music scene are incomparable. Public transport is shitty. 

xx China

On January 11th 2016

Was woken up at quarter to 6 by JJ's text message informing me of David Bowie's death with 8 exclamation points. JJ was somewhere in the Laurentians on his way to Maniwaki. "Shit" with 3 exclamation points was the only response I could summon. Spent the rest of the day, the first of my five day vacation, doing things I've put aside for a while. Calling my doctor for an appointment, framing the Metz poster, washing dishes, putting away the Christmas tree and listening to vinyl I haven't had the chance to listen to yet.

by Arnopeople Jan

As it got dark outside, became uneasy spending the evening at home just relaxing. The Quai des Brumes, a bar a few blocks away from home, had an event dedicated to David Bowie. V joined me with a "YES" and 4 exclamation points (she cried when informed of his passing earlier in the day).

Place was packed, one seat left by the bar. Not the usual Monday evening at the Quai. We understood the night would be special. We were all dancing, singing and watching movies in unison you know? (Am exaggerating a bit. Some were talking)

"Ground Control for Major Tom" began, V tells me a story about her boss (let's name her S). In the late 60's, S was living in Boston and had heard that something was cooking up north. A sort of festival. S and friends decide to drive there in two Westfalias without knowing where this festival is. Halfway there, one Westfalia drives back home discouraged. They still don't know where it's taking place. The other continues its trip. S is in the 1st Westfalia, her good friend in the 2nd. Fast-forward time, S is watching the Woodstock Festival documentary and suddenly sees her good friend flashing her breasts among the crowd. "Shit" she must of mustered.

By this time we had drunk a few beers. Had started talking nonsense. I was in the bathroom looking for my key which I thought I had lost. Not finding it, told the girls waiting in line that my mom was going to be unhappy being woken up. I don't live with my mom and am 37 years old. Head back to the table, find the key in my coat pocket. One thing V does when she drinks is she's not afraid to speak her mind. A couple was dancing on stage where Labyrinth was being screened. Yells at them to get off the stage. She's loud not because she had a few drinks but because she's so far away. Am I exaggerating when I say the entire bar heard her? Am proud of her somehow. I really did want to see the scene where David Bowie sings with the goblins. We all did. Also, when a bit tipsy, she quotes me on Facebook since I say many nonsensical things. I guess it's ok. (But V, you've got to double check your spelling).

(David Bowie's career wouldn't have lifted off so quickly if he had curly hair)

The evening was shared with people high-fiving me because of my t-shirt. Didn't have a David Bowie shirt but a high school one. Turns out many at the Quai were from the same high school. It was fun and all until someone told me he was born the year of my graduation. You know.

Had a blast that evening. David Bowie's death somehow brought us all together at the Quai des Brumes. Is there a better way to celebrate someone?

Lyse and the Hot Kitchen

Show: Lyse and the Hot Kitchen
Venue: Mademoiselle, Montreal
Date: Saturday, December 19th, 2015

Heading to Mademoiselle on Parc Avenue, JJ is almost skipping he's so excited. Since spending time with him, I've learned there's much about music I don't know. Like Arthur Jaguars Cossette of, among else, Lyse & the Hot Kitchen. Mr Cossette launched his career playing instrumental rock with the Jaguars in the 60's. Yé-yé/Twist/Surf music.

JJ mentions having bought a plexiglas guitar pic from Cossette at a price I won't state here. It's a special pic that can break strings if not played the right way.

Arrive at the venue a bit early. The only ones there. The band members are eating supper. Plenty time for a few beers, an old fashioned and some sweet potato fries while the crowd arrives.

The show starts and we have on stage Lyse Déjeuner as lead vocalist/percussions, Arthur Cossette on guitar and Jérôme Hébêrt (never seen so many accents on a name) on bass.

Lyse & the Hot Kitchen

As soon as Cossette starts his solo, you hear the crowd roaring. Everybody is a fan although not many present. Some start dancing swing. You know there's a smile behind Cossette's huge moustache. I take a look at his guitar, it's a funny looking thing. Stickers of bees and pugs with a lot of glitter. Excited, JJ tells me he's never witnessed anybody that age play so well with the exception of Chuck Berry (yes, Mr Berry played in Montreal in the late 90's I believe, wasn't there to witness that).

Arthur Cossette

Lyse & the Hot Kitchen is great music. Some in French, some in English; a mixture of swing, rock&roll and yé-yé "dans le même biscuit, ti-gars" as mentioned on their Facebook page.

The set ends. We leave the venue with a smile on our face. Didn't expect to have that much fun. Next stop? Tumbao vs Mess Around at the Inspecteur Épingle. A disc jockey vinyl battle. Latin influence music with some soul.

I love Montreal.

Elvis Perkins | Kinsey | Petit Campus

Show: Elvis Perkins + Kinsey
Venue: Petit Campus, Montreal
Date: Tuesday, December 15th, 2015

It starts with a walk on one of the most romantic streets in Montreal. Laval street on the Plateau Mt-Royal. JJ and I are on our way to the Petit Campus for an Elvis Perkins performance. All is serene when suddenly he pulls out a sock from his pocket. "You left your sock at my place" he mentions. Only, the sock isn't mine. The remaining walk is spent discussing whose sock it could be. "Quite a Bermuda Triangle I have in my hand" JJ said.

I spot Dan Aykroyd as we enter the venue. Of course am star struck. I don't get star struck often you know? I mention this to JJ, he doesn't believe me. I mention this to AC, he doesn't know who it is. That's how it is in Quebec.

We arrive too late for Kinsey but just in time to order some beers before Elvis Perkins' entrance on stage. I love the Petit Campus. Always magical. Still remember clearly M. Ward's, Pokey Lafarge's and Justin Townes Earle's performances on that stage. No different this time. You feel the music, you don't listen. Nevertheless, that evening, you could hear someone else's music in the background. A bit disconcerting. But hey! Perkins is a pro.

Elvis Perkins at Petit Campus

One beautiful song after another with a variety of instruments to accompany guitar, voice, drums, bass and synths. Elvis Perkins' high notes are quite beautiful, especially on "My Kind" from his latest album I Aubade. The posture of his body in front of the mic shows his dedication to the music. He promises it won't take as long before releasing the next album and before a trip back to Montreal. He also pronounces a few French words but I couldn't understand.

Elvis Perkins an Kinsey

The set is long but it never gets tiring. Usually the crowd can feel when the musicians are exhausted. It loses interest. I only lose interest on the last song when someone stands in front of me. I feel my space getting tighter.

We leave shortly after. In the cab, AC summarizes quite perfectly Elvis Perkins "Yé comme parfait".

China xx