If it was an Arkells show that you'd signed up for that wasn't at all what you got, however in many ways this was more special, and undeniably more unique. This evening at the Horseshoe was a chance to pay reverence to Canadian musicians of yesteryear, or even yestermonth - as tributes reigned supreme and surprise guests arrived in bundles.
Rock me gently, rock me slowly
Up first was the Toronto band The Order of Good Cheer, including an all-white donning Serena Ryder's husband. It was no surprise when she arrived on song two for some guest vocals and stuck around for much of this fully enjoyable set rooted firmly in rock and roll. Tom Darcy also grabbed a mic for a couple songs including Rock Me Gently. Contemporary covers from Jason Collett's mouth were Weakerthans Sun in an Empty Room and Metric's Gold Guns Girls. Kevin Drew of BSS fame played a non-eyewear related Corey Hart song. The highlight came as Billy Talent's main man, Ben Kowalaweicz, tore apart a song and band I'd never even heard before. Surfing on Heroine by the Forgotten Rebels was undeniably punk with a very tangible surfer feel. Excellent way to close the set off.
It may have been for a mere one song, solo, but any chance to witness Ron Sexsmith play is a fortunate chance.
This ain't nothing new to me - well it's just like going home
The six members of the Beauties went straight into Juno territory with Guess Who's Guns Guns Guns (Godspeed Mother Nature) before inviting renowned Toronto musician Ian Blurton out to rip some guitar strings, slag the audience and sing from beyond the beard Weeping Widow. Man of the moment Afie Jurvasen aka Bahamas, replaced Ian on the guest mic next and then gave way to local member of parliament, Andrew Cash. Cash's vocals were fine but the song choice was one I was unaware of and even with Maya Davis of Ladies of the Canyon also guesting, it was a bit of a yawn. The lull continued for me as members of the respected (but boring IMHO) Skydiggers came out. The set was rescued by one of the greatest Canadian songs ever written (my personal bias now bleeds apparent) Hasn't Hit Me Yet originally by Blue Rodeo of course, sung this time partially by NQ Arbuckle's Neville, but primarily by the Horseshoe sellout crowd. Kevin Drew returned for a song about the last night in the city that sounded right up his alley and apparently is one he's been performing with the Beauties for years anyway. Another Skydiggers song closed out the middle frame.
Can I Get a Witness??
Originally I'd thought the billing was as an Arkells set, and having missed their much adored last tour I was hoping for at least a partial set but it wasn't to be. What came in its place was nothing to be disappointed about however. From the top their enthusiasm for the night, for the songs they'd be singing and the artists they'd be sharing the stage with was infectious. A contemporary classic began in BSS' Cause = Time, given justice by Born Ruffian vocalist Luke Lalonde's vocals. From the same approximate era they dug into an Extraordinary Joel Plaskett tune crooned by Emm Gryner as well as Max Herman. By Divine Right were represented next before a slew of guests arrived on stage. Among them were Cuff the Duke's Wayne Petti, LOTC Maya Davis again (she made her presence felt much of the night) a touring member of City and Colour, and the violin flourish of the Great Lake Swimmers' female player. Why such a large contingency? Attempting to give the second Neil Young song of the night a proper sound requires it, and Harvest Moon succeeded because of it. Wayne stuck around for a marvelous Future Hangs from his main band. My personal highlight came in the form of OLP's 4am that featured Jeremy Taggart, as well as Dave Monks and Graham Wright from Tokyo Police Club. That compact disc, Clumsy, was the soundtrack to my generation's musical awakening, as evidenced by the ensuing singalong. Mr. Popular (Drew) returned to complete the trifecta alongside Maya for The Dears You and I Are a Gang of Losers. Probably the closest thing we'd get to an Arkells song was when they alone ripped out Young Offenders by the Cons from who they've obviously picked up the torch in many ways.
Cuz when the feeling's right...
This is all too much really. The display of talent - not only physically on display but also in the songs written by Juno contenders throughout the ages - was simply awesome. How do you wrap this up? Go with the insanely popular crowd pleasers. First get Gord Sinclair and Paul Langois on stage to perform early years Hip classic, Grace Too. Boy did that go off! Untoppable? Try bringing the house down by bringing the Beauties back out for none other than Bryan Adams' Run To You.
Canadian music was rightfully put on display this evening, and it shone bright.
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