This Is Pop
Tonight begins Pop Montreal, a music festival that includes lots of the sort of music I like. Pop music, that is, but in the stylistic, not the literal, “popular” sense. The sort of music that finds its roots in the style of later Beatles and Beach Boys, and the production work of Phil Spector and George Martin.
At last year’s festival I took in a marvelous concert by the lovely and talented Neko Case, who, it must be admitted, isn’t really “pop” at all. Fortunately, the festival organizers don’t let labels and categories interfere with enjoying music that’s just plain good.
This year, I’m off to see the much-more poppish Stars, playing with Metric and Washington Social Club. One of my favourite bands, Sloan, is also playing a show, as are countless other acts. If you’re in or around Montreal this weekend, it’s a great time to head out to your local concert venue — tickets are cheap. But it also reminds me to mention some of the delicious tunes I’ve been enjoying lately.
Sloan’s new album, Action Pact, is a gem, rock and roll at its finest.
A couple weeks ago, I heard and saw the Dandy Warhols play in support of their new album, the ’80s-infused effort entitled Welcome to the Monkey House. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for in Duran-Duran-style ear candy. A guilty pleasure, perhaps.
One of the more eclectic indie-rock bands out there, Enon, has released a new album entitled Hocus-Pocus, which I just picked up. It’s a follow-up of sorts to last year’s High Society, an album I enjoyed a lot after I’d given it a few spins on the CD player. I’m still spinning Hocus-Pocus, but so far so good. Some of you may have heard of Blonde Redhead, whose song “In Particular” has been stuck in my head for a year or so. The infectious voice on that song, Toko Yasuda, is now a member of Enon.
Meanwhile, when I lose interest in the music I own (yes my dear RIAA, I still buy CDs, even though I also download music) , I’ve been turning to SomaFM, a superb Internet broadcaster with an excellent indie rock channel. Happy listening.
Previously: Meanwhile, back at the <ranch>
Subsequently: Wells Done
Comments
Wow, looks like a fabulous line-up! Sloan, Hawksley Workman, the Gripweeds, Buck 65 (I hear Talkin’ Honky Blues is excellent), the Dears, among others…makes me wish I could jet off to Montreal! Go see Colleen Power and The Trews, if you can….
— Donna | Sep. 28, 2003 — 12 AM