'Sup In September: Ten Picks

I've still got a couple of show reviews to talk about, both of which sprang from this year's Summerworks Festival which took place a couple of weeks ago. But before we look back, I think it's time to look ahead to what's going on in September. Normally, September is regarded as one of the saddest months of the year since it is usually synonymous with the end of summer. However this year we never had a summer, so let's hope we can still get a summer of the Indian variety in the weeks ahead as we collectively bask in the glow of some of the great shows that we can look forward to next month.

For more detailed listings, as usual, go check out Stillepost, Zoilus and Jen's Weekly List (of shows under $10)

1. The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart @ The Horseshoe
(Monday, September 7th; Cost: $12)

For whatever reason, I've never mentioned these amazing New York shoegazers before on this blog, even though their self titled release from February is an album that has remained in constant rotation on my ipod for the better part of the year. I'd like to say that I was one of the early supporters of this band, but the truth is that I jumped on this bandwagon around the same time as everyone else did. Thing is, the music has received so much hype, that I'm impressed with myself for surrendering my snobbish impulses and jumping on at all. Here's one case where I can truly say that the album at least, definitely lives up to the hype. Whether or not the show does, remains to be seen, although I can't see any reason why it wouldn't.

[Myspace: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart]

2. The Sadies @ The Horseshoe
(Saturday September 12th; Cost: $15)

Do I really need to provide any hype for this show? The Sadies = best live band in Toronto. Done. As of right now, their supporters for the evening are only listed as 'Guests' on the Horseshoe listings page, but they tend to bring only the best with them whilst playing The 'Shoe, so I recommend getting there early.

[Myspace: The Sadies]

3. Joe Pernice / Kate Boothman @ Dakota Tavern
(Tuesday September 24th; Cost: $18.50)

Joe Pernice (pictured above) has just finished publishing his first novel, which is entitled It Feels So Good When I Stop. I still have yet to read it, but it's been lauded by personal literary fave Nick Hornby, so I'll have to admit that I'm more than a little bit curious. The man is already a master at crafting a perfect 3 or 4 minute pop song, so if he can channel that wit into a piece of literature, I'd imagine that it's going to be pretty good. He's recorded a soundtrack to the novel featuring covers of songs by Sebadoh, The Dream Syndicate and even Dick Van Dyke, and I'm sure many of those songs, along with some of his brilliant originals should suit the intimate Dakota atmosphere just nicely.

[Myspaces: Joe Pernice; Kate Boothman]

4. The Minus 5 @ The Horseshoe
(Sunday September 13th; Cost: $13.50)

I'll admit that I haven't been following the career of this American rock collective for quite some time, but the idea of seeing Scott McCaughey (from Young Fresh Fellows), Peter Buck (from REM) and Steve Wynn (from Dream Syndicate) up close and personal is a pretty tough one to pass up. The fact that this band has also boasted appearances by such notables as Colin Meloy, Ken Stringfellow, Robert Pollard, Pete Yorn and of course, Jeff Tweedy can't help but fill one with all sorts of "what if" thoughts that likely will not come to fruition but, you never know...

[Myspace: The Minus 5]

5. No Shame's 100th Show @ The Horseshoe
feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick a Piper and The Skeletones Four
(Friday September 18th; Cost: $10)

The No Shame independent music series has provided our city with a high quality indie rock show 99 times in a row now, and they're prepared to make their 100th show extra special. Four of the best independent bands that I have ever heard will be taking the stage, and the show is guaranteed to be one crazy party. (This here blog may have a contest in relation to this show in the very near future. Stay tuned...)

[Myspaces: Green Go; Ruby Coast; Pick A Piper; The Skeletones Four]

6. Broken Bricks / The Assistants / Davey Parker Radio Sound @ Silver Dollar
(Friday September 11th; Cost: $5)

We all know how much I loves the psych rock, and two of the best tripsters in the city are playing the same night. I've seen Broken Bricks before and reviewed them here; and I've listened to Davey Parker Radio Sound before and reviewed them here. The Assistants are a little bit more 80's college radio than psych, but some elements are still definitely there. I've seen them before too, and I reviewed them here.

[Myspaces: Broken Bricks; The Assistants; Davey Parker Radio Sound]

7. Black Diamond Heavies / Elvyn @ Velvet Underground
(Thursday September 17th; Cost: TBA)

Black Diamond Heavies are an American band that take everything that is raw and dirty about rock 'n roll and boil it into a soulful stew that is as loud and authentic as the music of any gritty garage band to emerge out of the Detroit scene over the last 30 years. Except they're actually from Nashville. And I haven't actually heard them yet. Still, from what I've read, it sounds like they put on a heckuva rawk show. Admittedly, the main reason that this show makes my monthly ten list for September is the fact that Peterborough's Elvyn will be kicking off the night, and they'll likely be showcasing some songs from their upcoming full length, which should be out in the near future. Elvyn revels in the kind of rootsy pop music that makes artists like Teenage Fanclub and The Jayhawks so great, and they're certainly worth getting out on a Thursday night for.

[Myspaces: Black Diamond Heavies; Elvyn]

8. Hi Hat 4 Launch Night @ Rancho Relaxo
(Friday September 4th / Saturday September 5th; Cost: $10 w/CD, $7 without)

It really is amazing all that has been accomplished in recent months over at Hi Hat Recordings. Some of my favourite local bands are currently signed to that label, and to celebrate the release of a new compilation album, the Rancho Relaxo is hosting not one, but two nights of fun featuring some of the greatest bands in the city. Friday night will consist of sets by Wildlife, Spookey Ruben, Black Hat Brigade and Sandman Viper Command. As cool as Friday looks, I think that the money night for me would be Saturday, with performances by Cut Throat Briva, The Job, Sitcom and Invasions.

9. Regina Spektor @ Sound Academy
(Wednesday September 16th; Cost: $29)

I know this makes me sound like a major snob, but I really haven't paid much attention to Ms. Spektor since she shifted her focus from jazzy piano eccentricities to a more accessible and streamlined sound. There's also no way you'll ever be able to convince me that seeing her at the giant sweatbox that is the Sound Academy could ever compare with seeing her at the tiny Rivoli a few short years ago. Still, the fact that she's an amazing performer is undeniable, and if you haven't seen her yet, I can't help but recommend that you fork over the thirty dollars minus one and check her out. Regina Spektor needs to be experienced by everybody, at least once.

[Myspace: Regina Spektor]

10. Juliette Lewis / Band Of Skulls @ Opera House
(Friday September 11th; Cost: $20)

When it comes to Juliette Lewis: the rock star, the ratio of substance to schtick leans heavily towards the latter. Still, I can't help but find her very entertaining and although she may be a bit of a guilty pleasure of sorts, I must admit that I'm really looking forward to checking out her show. I just don't see enough punky mock rock these days! To sweeten the pot, Band of Skulls will be opening, and although I still have yet to listen to Baby Darling Doll Face Honey all the way through, I like the songs that I know, and I do enjoy their brand of anthemic garage rock quite a bit.

[Myspaces: Juliette Lewis; Band of Skulls]

Honorable Mentions:
There are a few other great shows in September that I highly recommend but I left them out of the top ten because they feature bands that I seem to recommend all the time. Burlington's Beautiful Nothing are playing The Horseshoe on Friday September 11th in support of their new album entitled The Fruits of Youth. [Cost: $6] The Balconies are celebrating the release of their new CD at Lee's Palace on with Oh No Forest Fires, Fox Jaws and Whale Tooth. Wednesday September 25th [Damn, what a lineup. Cost: TBA] Modernboys Moderngirls will also be celebrating the release of their new CD at Sneaky Dee's on Friday September 18th with Clothes Make The Man and Black Hat Brigade. [I've also got a contest for this show coming up. Stay tuned...] And Cuff The Duke are playing an instore at Criminal Records on Tuesday September 8th for free.

Where I'll Be:
I definitely plan on being at Dakota for Joe Pernice, although looking at the Soundscapes list, I'd better grab those tickets soon because they're almost sold out. I'm also sealed in for the Juliette Lewis / Band of Skulls show. Finally, Pains of Being Pure of Heart, Minus 5 and No Shame are all very strong maybe's at the moment and whether or not I make it out to see Elvyn will depend on how early they start, since we all know that getting out early on a Thursday night is a bit of a tough one for me. We'll see...