1000 Songs: Jen Polk
I have now posted one thousand songs from my live recordings to this blog. My introductory thoughts on that landmark can be found here, but long story short: I asked some folks to pick some of their favourites to help me celebrate.
Today's list is from Jennifer Polk, formerly @historyjenTO, and now exploring her options in the grown-up world. She is available for life-coaching at reasonable rates.
Many congratulations on having posted 1,000 live show recordings, Joe!
Here are some highlights for me, a few of them from shows I was also at. (Memories! Regrets!) There's no rhyme or reason for what follows; I just like them and think they're worth hearing again.
Woodhands - Can't See Straight/Under Attack
Best live band! What better way to start things off then a live recording of my favourite band to see (and dance to). I love how their songs, so distinct on their studio albums, get turned into these massive dance party medleys/jam outs in the live setting. Unfortunately for me, Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt are busy guys and they haven't performed much lately. (I myself am not that busy, so thankfully there are Joe's recordings.)
Diamond Rings - You & MeMore electronica, this time care of John O'Regan AKA Diamond Rings. I first started hearing John's solo material done acoustically — just guitar and voice. And it was so lovely that it brought tears to my eyes on occasion. (I am mostly heartless, so this is saying something.) When Diamond Rings went electro, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it but I was excited about the possibilities. I think the result is definitely worth cheering. What a great talent.
Speaking of talent, next up is Evening Hymns, the project of Jonas Bonnetta with (on this night and now regularly) the beautiful Sylvie Smith. This is one of those bands that I have sometimes taken from granted — a band that is just good, that you know you can rely on — but every time I've seen Jonas (solo or accompanied) I've been so moved. I missed this performance, but it really must have been special. Also, cellphone users: whatever you do that makes this noise happen, stop it. You (almost) ruin everything.
Julie! Love her when she's quiet and spare; love her when she's rocking out. Here, it's mostly the former but there's a bit of the latter. Double love. Check out Joe's other recordings of Julie (including his most recent ones) for a very different sound that still sounds perfect.
Well, this is excellent. This style really suits her, and she sounds fantastic. That, plus the incredible energy Maylee brings to every performance... well, it must have made for a wonderful set.
Every New Year's Eve party should feature the Magic. Sadly, the band never released an album. I don't know the details, but certainly the band members were and are busy with other projects. These days you can see the Gordon brothers in Islands and Sylvie Smith in Evening Hymns.
I, probably like most people, never thought Nathan Lawr would embrace Afrobeat. But I like it! And that vibraphone — Paul Aucoin, I love you. And all those horns! This band, which brings together a number of excellent local (and not-so-local) players hasn't performed in Toronto that much, but if they ever do again, I'll be there.
Sloan - Everything You've Done Wrong
Here's more horns, but in a less-than-expected place: a Sloan concert! This set put a huge grin on my face that didn't leave it until after I'd gone to sleep hours later. Oh, and now it's back. Sloan! These guys really are good at this. What fun.
And, well, of course: more Woodhands! The first two and a half minutes of this recording (plus the last bit) is of an as-yet unreleased song that features Paul's simply stupendous drumming and an exciting, unexpected synth line... I'm busy dancing, thanks for reading and listening, kthxbai.
You can always click on the tags below to read more about the shows these songs came from. Have there been four or five songs posted here that made an impact on you? If you'd like to get in on the action and make a list, feel free to send me an email: mechanicalforestsound@gmail.com.
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Thanks, Jen!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was mildly terrified the first time I properly met her, I quickly realized that this was someone whose enthusiasm and manner of gig-going was a model for us all. Don't wait at the back with your arms crossed — get up front and get into it!
And just to update on The Magic, it looks like that long-awaited album is finally going to be coming our way this summer.
yay!
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