Much of Lucinda Williams’ catalogue explores the depths of pain and loss, be it in alternative country, folk, or blues fusion form. While she does have some up tempo tracks in her catalogue (often of the bawdy, blues-influenced variety) her best songs usually find her describing misery of some kind. It’s the sort of thing that makes her one of the best songwriters in the world, but could threaten to make an evening of her music a less than thrilling night out.
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Before I get into this review, I’ll admit straight out that I’m not an unbiased reviewer. Aimee Mann is one of my favourite artists, owing both to the fact that her melancholy songs are right up my alley (even though I’m a pretty happy guy, I’m drawn to sad music) and the fact that she’s always been the first act on my iPod, so when I’m feeling indecisive about what to listen to, I simply press play, “How Am I Different?” starts from Bachelor No. 2, and I’m good.
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Once again, it’s year end list time, and once again, I’m kicking things off with a list that no one can quibble with but me and my wife (who goes to all the same concerts I go to). We made it to 11 concerts this year, a personal best, and not bad considering that most bands I listen to don’t come to Calgary, choosing to view the Canadian portion of their tours as two or three cities (Toronto, Montreal, and maybe Vancouver). If I lived in those cities, I think I’d being going to shows every other week, as live music is probably the best thing there is in the world (other than puppies).
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Post number two, and already I’m feeling better. Just got out of the shower, so I’m feeling refreshed. I tell ya though, this whole waking up between posts thing was easier last year, when we were in a one bedroom apartment, and thus my shower wasn’t that far from my computer. Now my computer is in the basement, with my shower two floors up. This won’t be the only logistical problem for the day, as now when I want to eat I have to run up the stairs instead of just walking one room over. Maybe I should’ve taken the Blogathon into consideration when choosing this place.
Got to bed after midnight last night, which isn’t ideal. But, we had tickets to go see Neko Case at the Folkfest, so what are you gonna do? Decent show, but the Folkfest isn’t ideal for seeing someone you want to see. All the prime viewing positions are taken up by people who got their right when the gates opened, plopped down their tarps or chairs or whatever, and have spent the rest of their night passively watching acts they don’t know while reading or something. The festival is for these people, who probably buy multiple day passes and stuff, but it means that the true fans that are really into the concert get shoved off to the side.
Still, Neko was great. She might have the best voice in music right now (probably not, as that’s a huge statement to make, but she’s up there). Before her was Hawksley Workman, whose music I don’t listen to, but he put on a good enough show. Earlier in the evening we listened to Final Fantasy (the singer, not the video game) do a quick six song set on a smaller stage. I think my opinion on Final Fantasy is that his music is more “interesting” than “good”, but interesting isn’t a bad thing for a six song set at a music festival.
So if I’m tired right now, it’s due to lack of sleep as a result of my love of concerts. But I’ll get through it. I’m a gamer. Anyway, I should probably get back to my waking up routine. Kim’s making breakfast!
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2006)
Starring: Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Common, The Roots, Dead Prez, Jill Scott, Cody ChestnuTT, John Legend, The Fugees
Directed by: Michel Gondry
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Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic (2005)
Starring: Sarah Silverman
Directed by: Liam Lynch
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I did this list last year, realising that its not exactly the kind of list others can judge. No one but my wife could say whether or not these particular shows were the best of the 8 I saw this year (9 if you include the Evening with Kevin Smith event we attended). But, it’s a fun way to look back at the year and see what kind of shows I went to. I’d be interested in seeing a list like this from others if they have one, or any year end list for that matter. Seriously, put the year in the title of a list and post it in December/January, and I’ll read it. It’s something I should probably look into.
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Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
Starring: Neil Young, Pegi Young, Emmylou Harris, Ben Keith, Spooner Oldham, Rick Rosas, Grant Boatwright
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
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Critically Speaking 