I got back yesterday from the Hillside Festival in Guelph. What an amazing experience. I doubt I'll ever see/hear the like of it for a long time. It was a top notch collection of the best independent Canadian artists. What does this have to do with BSS?? Hang in there.
Here's who I saw:
Fri - Fembots, The Lowest of the Low, The Weakerthans
Sat - Hidden Cameras, Apostle of Hustle, Sarah Slean, Stars, Arcade Fire
Sun - The Most Serene Republic, Gentleman Reg, Buck 65, Broken Social Scene, Sam Roberts
Additionally, spread throughout the weekend were several workshops with members of Apostle of Hustle, the Low, the Weakerthans, Stars, Broken Social Scene, and others.
Broken Social Scene were easily the highlight of the weekend (a surprise to me, considering what a big Stars and Weakerthans fan I am). I don't think I've heard more raucous joy than when BSS and friends performed Almost Crimes with 18 people on stage, including both Amy Millan and Emily Haines. The semi-erotic lapdance with Amy and Emily was definitely an added bonus. The set was almost entirely new material and it bodes well for this fall's release. I'm SO looking forward to this fall's US tour. Amy is releasing a solo CD too - maybe she'll open for BSS! Dave Newfeld (the guy who got beat up by the NYC cops) was there and looks MUCH better, though you can still see some minor bruising around his face.
I guess I can't really post to this Forum without an obligatory Arcade Fire reference. They played a few new songs and put on a lively performance. Their encore came after the venue's curfew went into effect so they did it (Wake up) acoustic whilst wandering through the crowd. Definitely loses something when unplugged.
The nicest discovery of the weekend was The Most Serene Republic. These kids are around 18-20 and just got signed to BSS label Arts and Crafts. They already show alot of talent, poise, and showmanship. I think they'll be a band to keep an eye on. They're sort of a cross between the orchestral pop of Stars and finely honed songwriting of BSS. Very good sound and lively performers.
One guy that I had never heard before was Halifax white boy rapper Buck 65. Now now...before you start conjuring images of Snow and Vanilla Ice, give the fellow a chance. I'm not much for rap/hip hop but this guy is geniunely talented and deserves the rave reviews he's been getting. Check him out if you're into that kinda thing.
Probably the one act I could have done without was Sarah Slean. I liked her the first time she toured as Tori Amos. Virtually indestinguishable. I took a nap during her set.
We took over 200 pictures (most from the very front of the stage). PM me if you're interested in seeing them and I'll let you know when we get around to uploading them.