2004-09-26, The Reverb - Toronto, ON

First off I'd like to apologize for how late this review is going up. I've been busy with school, but anyways, onto the review...

This was a lot of fun, and could be labeled as a once in a lifetime type of show. With the Skatalites being the age that they are, any show could be their last. Toronto's own The Makeshift Heroes opened up the night. This band has come a long way since seeing them open for Chris Murray (which reminds me that I should put up pictures from that show sometime...). This band has worked hard and getting the spot on this show's lineup is testament to the talent and effort this band has. They didn't disappoint either, putting on again, another stellar performance. I don't know how Yvonne hit those high notes. From playing the clarinet in elementary school, I can tell you it takes a lot of experience and practice to hit the high notes without making a squeaking sound. It was really nice to see a great band filled with really nice people put on a top notch performance at an important concert.

Next up were some familar faces, Lo and the Magnetics. Three of the band members were from the latest line up of the Kingpins. King Kong Girio has now taken over on bass, and another member has filled in on sax and keys. I can't tell you how excited I am to hear that Mitch (King Kong Girio) is part of this band. The "Queen of Ska", Lorraine noted that they played a lot of "cover" songs, i.e. they played a few Kingpins songs. I was really impressed with the new sound these four guys and one lady have come up with. From what I hear the album is going to be even better (and should be released soon too). They played with a lot of emotion, something that I love seeing in a live performance. The band had a lot of fun playing, and the crowd really enjoyed what Lo and the Magnetics had to offer. I can't wait for their cd release party, that is if they have one.

Last, but certainly not least, was The Skatalites. I was worried that I was going to miss a good portion of their set, as I had to take the last bus back to Waterloo. Thankfully, I only missed 30 minutes of their hour and a half set. It is no surprise why these guys get such a reaction with each show they put on, and why they have been around for over 40 years!!! When you are in your 60's and 70's and are still able to perform, you know you are good. I was able to catch two of my favourite songs by these guys, Guns of Navarone and You're Wondering Now. I had such a fun time, and was able to catch up with a lot of people that I know from ska shows.

The Makeshift Heroes   Lo and the Magnetics   The Skatalites  


Comments (7)

(Posted 2004-10-03)

2004-09-11, Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON

This show was by far the best I've been to this year. With 3 major bands on the bill, there was no excuse to miss this show.

For the afternoon show, Toronto's own, The Pylons were the opening act. They played a much more ska-friendly set than in the previous two times that I have seen them perform. They played a pretty decent set and got a lot of people dancing and warmed up for the bands to follow them. The band threw several CD samplers into the crowd. I have listened to it several times over the past few days, and while it is no Coconut Flavoured Songs, I can't wait to see what they have to offer on their new album.

Los Furios was the opening act for the evening bill. I was really impressed by material. Even though I only knew of the samples available from their web site I was able to skank to their songs, which doesn't happen often with me. A unique sounding band and I highly recommend that you check them out.

The Pietasters were up next. They said something about this being their first time in 5 years about being in Toronto. They played a really rocking set filled with all of their hits. They started off with their "Maggie Mae" cover, and absolutely filled the dance floor. It worked, as the dance floor was filled for the rest of their set. I didn't like was that the bass player and guitar player didn't really seem into the set (both during the afternoon and evening sets). Although the lead singer seemed off during a song or two, the Pietasters played a really good set, and hope they won't be another 5 years before they come back.

During the afternoon bill, the Planet Smashers played third as the Toasters had yet to show up to Lee's Palace due to border problems. The Planet Smashers played a similar set that they always play, which is fun to dance and listen to, and it is tight as tight can be. These guys like to have a good time while they perform, and today was no exception. By far, they are Canada's best ska band. It is a shame they don't get the same respect south of the border.

The Toasters stole the show. I saw these guys last year at the Hard Rock Cafe where there was a very disimal showing, but having $20 tickets didn't help either. Going to both shows it is amazing to see what a crowd can do to a band's enthusiasm. The lead singer was skanking harder than most people on the dance floor. I don't think I have ever seen someone so focussed and determined to put on a killer set. The saxophone player even got into the skanking. If you don't know the band, Bucket, the guitar player has been with the band since the 80's while everyone else has changed. If I'm not mistaken they have over 100 songs. A band with a lot of history and definitely a lot of talent. Hopefully the next time they come to Toronto they put on as good of a set to an even bigger crowd.

After going to both shows, and skanking at both, my whole body was sore. I had to even cut myself off from dancing as my knee hurt too much to do it anymore. I guess over 5 hours of dancing will do that to you. I had an amazing time, and I know so did the rest of the audience.

The Pylons   Pietasters   The Planet Smashers   The Toasters  


Comments (11)

(Posted 2004-09-14)