After all of this is all said and done, who would you rather be?

One day last week I was walking to work loving Neko Cases' latest album and had the realisation that thus far 2009 is so the year of the vicious lady-singer. Sorry boys, but it totally is. Think about it. We have new music from all of the following vixens who could toss and trounce you in about two seconds flat: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Karen O), Ladyhawke, Lily Allen, Neko Case, Bat for Lashes, Lady Sovereign, Emmy the Great and my personal favorite: Metric. Now Metric has a little spitfire as a vocalist that you might happen to recognize the name of, Emily Haines. She only was part of the one and only great, Broken Social Scene that broke off into super group after super group. Maybe that is where Emily gained her superhero powers. This latest Metric album could be the soundtrack for any girl who is going through anything that is even the slightest bit frustrating or disheartening. Plug a little Emily Haines into your Ipod and everything you come across will be a little bit easier to deal with. Which is a feat it it's own right. If you watch the video posted below of Emily touring Argentina she is simultaneously frighteningly fragile yet strong as steel. Admitting to her fears and her deepest desires for her art which she holds closer than a second skin we realize what it is that draws us to her as both a front woman and as a feminine presence. She is the girlfriend you would go to for advice but also hold in your arms if she needed them. Listening to her talk to you just know she is destined for great things. Beyond what she and her bands have already done. Emily Haines is a lady for the history books. You follow her wistful gaze as she looks over Buenos Aries and you feel it in your heart. She has wisdom beyond her years and though she might not feel it strength to last the ages. This new Metric album is stellar. Catchy and spewing with pop it is also classy and brazen. The album will be released on April 7th by the band itself and will be available for digital download on March 31st. If you visit the bands website you will also see a ton of pre-released packages and free gifts for ordering early. Keep an eye out for tour dates sometime late spring and into the summer.

Metric-Collect Call.mp3

Kevin Drew continued...

Pfork posted some lovely pictures from the other night at Webster Hall. Love that Emily Haines!

Emily Haines Tags
Kevin Drew Tags

Oh that Kevin Drew...

I must start off by saying that I sincerely wish Jaime was not so busy at work and could write a more 'proper' review of the Kevin Drew show at Webster Hall last night because A- I do not know much about Broken Social Scene and B- had not really listened to Kevin Drew's solo creation until last night. A friend of mine recently questioned me if i go to shows where I do not know the music and i enthusiastically answered 'yes, of course!' and a reason for that would be experiences like Kevin Drew. With all of the guests lined up and a packed Webster Hall Kevin and his personality were ready to perform. I list these as two separate identities because there is musician Kevin who simply put pastes together his songs and then there is the stand up comedian Kevin who intertwines his life experiences with his music. I love when artists banter because even if it is all an act it shows you a bit more of their personality which if you are into the music as a fan is always enjoyable. Kevin had enough banter to do a stand up performance with rips on text messaging ('people are living their lives on text-their sex lives, their love lives, their work lives...') to asking the audience for various items of clothing so he could perform a song and then handing the items back one by one, embarrassing a fellow member of the band with a story regarding a cheesy pick up line and apologizing for their guitars being a bit out of tune due to Sam's brother/technician/professional snowboarder. Kevin made you feel as if you were just sitting in a living room or barn chillaxin' with him and his crew. His jokes came as easily as his beautifully created songs off of his solo album, Spirit If. Guest appearances by Emily Haines (who attended Etobicoke School of the Arts with Drew and is a member of Broken Social Scene and Metric), Scott Kannberg (Pavement)and James Shaw (Metric) made the night all the more special. J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr) was scheduled to perform but had to turn around due to a new addition to his family. Everyone on stage melded together into a collaborative fluid melody even though at times it seemed a bit chaotic it always sounded technically tight without losing the fun. It sounds incredibly silly to classify a show as fun but the spirit of the show as all about having fun. It has been awhile since i have seen so many people clearly enjoying playing their music and being with their friends on stage. Drew himself comes across as an urban hippie and has been quoted for his connection with his audience as being one of the most important aspects of his live show. "We want to affect audiences' hearts and minds with honesty."It is easy to understand stories of kisses, hugs and handshakes all being a normal part of the Kevin Drew experience after you see him. His songs are backed up by horns and the overwhelmingly loud and heavy presence of guitar, which for me was the highlight. Although his songs come across as carefree melodies and cheerful expressions the lyrics are insightful while Drew flirts with the dark side of his personality and creativity.
Kevin Drew-Tbtf.mp3
Kevin Drew-Big Love.mp3
Kevin Drew-Lucky Ones.mp3
Metric Tags
Jaime HIGHLY recommends this Broken Social Scene Review of Lolla in '05
Bootlog with selections from another live Kevin Drew performance

Metric playing Webster Hall with Crystal Castles!

My very first show at Webster Hall was Metric. Totally won over by Emily Haines showmanship i will definitely be returning to catch them as they swing through nYc on September 21st. Tickets go on sale this Friday via Ticketmaster at 12:00 PM EST. Extra exciting is their tourmates, fellow Canadians Crystal Castles. I love their music and they have provided me with some highly enjoyable summer dance mixes. Definitely a good pairing indeed.
***Metric - 2007 Tour Dates***
```SEPTEMBER```
Sep 09 - Toronto Centre Island, Toronto, ON (Virgin Festival)
Sep 21 - Webster Hall, New York, NY
Sep 26 - First AVenue, Minneapolis, MN
Sep 28 - Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO
````OCTOBER````
Oct 02 - Glass House, Pomona, CA
Oct 03 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Oct 05 - The Music Box at the Fonda, Hollywood, CA
Oct 06 - Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA (Download Festival)
Metric-Monster Hospital.mp3
Crystal Castles - Air War.mp3