Top 11 of 2012: Why Look Back When You Can Look Forward?
What’s the point of looking back? Here’s the BackstageRider Top 11 Things to Look Forward to in 2012 (so far) with a bit of back-looking, I admit, in the form of musicks I did very much enjoy as well as some guesses about what might be awesome next year.
Two nights of THE NATIONAL in Vancouver – View from the front row! Songs from the chairs! Penis jokes! Meeting Matt Berninger!
So, yeah, two nights of beautiful shows by the National were capped off by meeting 3/5ths of them, touching Matt Berninger, listening to him say “penis” a lot, and being in the front row for both nights. Check out my banter rundown, the videos and my point n’ shooty pics.
Who watches THE WATCHMEN? Canadian rock band returns from the ’90s as time stands still
Winnipeg’s The Watchmen returned to Vancouver after a nearly 9 year absence, for Grey Cup (that’s football) celebrations, and the BackstageRider is thrown back through time. Check out the lush gallery of photos and a fun little story.
Deaf From Above: DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979’s Wall of Sound Wants to Destroy You
Death from Above 1979 rebuilt their Wall of Sound and brought it crashing down on Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on November 20 & 21. We survived, did you? Pics by Ashely Tanasiychuk.
WU LYF Live: Hyped UK Band (Actually) Meets Expectations
Oh look! Another hyped UK band makes the rounds of North American on its first tour! How did WU LYF fare? Pretty good, if you ask me. And you have. Read the epic review, see the video and click on the pics for effect.
LEMONHEADS: It’s a Shame About Ray (and kinda, about Evan Dando)
Evan Dando and two other guys, collectively known as The Lemonheads, were in Vancouver on November 4 performing “It’s a Shame About Ray.” Woulda been brilliant if Dando had channeled less slack and more charisma.
London’s MALE BONDING at Vancouver’s Electric Owl: GALLERY/REVIEW
SubPop noisepop from London, UK’s Male Bonding as they took over the Electric Owl in Vancouver on October 21. Bring on the fuzzy hookiness!