The New Pornographers and the Mint Records Roadshow

Two nights ago, I went to the venue formerly known as Red's to see the New Pornographers (yes!). Those of you who visit KNK regularly know this is one of my bands to see before I die. Thanks to the guys at Mint Records, home to bands and artists like the New Pornographers, Neko Case, Huevos Rancheros, and wonderful new discovery, Novillero, for granting this wish. The concert is one of the many stops in Canadian cities to celebrate Mint & Exclaim! Magazine's 15 years of making and talking about music respectively. Grand.

True to form, the New Pornographers shred. Tight set - they had me from hello, which turned out to be "Sing Me Spanish Techno". By the time they got to "Use it" (just before the encore), I was rapturous with dance. And Mr. Newman is every bit the show man, making those really cool jokes about malls, being called "baggot" and thinking it was "faggot", and about the beauty of yelling. Quaint. I have their Winnipeg set and will be posting this soon, so stay tuned for that. Neko and Destroyer were missing from the lineup (expected), but Kathryn Calder (Carl's niece) subbed for Neko nicely. Nicely Done.

Two Mint bands accompanied the Pornos on this tour i.e. Immaculate Machine (Calder's band) and Novillero. I have to say I was blown away by Novillero. Urgent, abrasive indie rock, some earnest to God playing, and that drummer can sing! Touche!

To cap it all, the wonderful Mint guys gave out free promo compilation cds to all that came. This cd includes recordings by Mint bands at CBC Radio 3. Knowing that you all are probably hating me for having all this fun happen to me, I am posting the promo cd for your entertainment. Be sure to check out all the wonderful Canadian artists on the Mint label.

Favorite Neko Case
Failure Pluto
Dear Confessor (previously unreleased) Immaculate Machine
Your Bed Cub
The Body Says No The New Pornographers
Crowchild Trail Huevos Rancheros
Habit over Heart Novillero
B.A.B.E. The Smugglers
Can You Tell Me (previously unreleased) The Organ
Lonely The Gay
Ghost Pirates P:ano
Satellite Young and Sexy
Chumpville Carolyn Mark
The Hedonists Collide Duotang
Three Steps Backward The New Town Animals

Buy Novillero Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives
Buy Immaculate Machine One and Zeroes
Who doesn't already own New Pornographers' Twin Cinema?

M. Ward: KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic Session, Sept. 28, 2006.

Everybody's favorite troubadour delivers an excellent set on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic show. Post-War is one of my favorite albums of 2006, and songs like "Eyes on the Prize" already have a comfortable seat on my top ten songs of the year so far. The full band sound on this album makes for a more enjoyable listening, and I find myself throwing this on anytime I am in the "martini" mood.

Intro
Chinese Translation
Post-War
Cosmopolitan Pop
Eyes on the Prize
Interview
Poison Cup
To Go Home
Right in the Head
Outro
Paul's Song

Buy Post-War.