Following Guns ‘n Roses’ long awaited show at the Pacific Coliseum last week, a friend asked me if I thought it had really been Axl on stage; or some really good Axl impersonator. Hard to say. All the press was asked to shoot back at the soundboard (mid-stadium) and short of a $4000 lens that could investigate his pores, I was at a loss. Additionally, he was wrapped up in highly inconspicuous (yet fashionably rockin’) attire that may have suggested he was actually an Axl-like CIA plant, out on some sort of head-banging spy-mission. Welcome to the Jungle, indeed.

Though one thing I can say beyond doubt is it sure sounded like Axl, and man did he sound good! When comparing with other 90′s anthem bands that use sing alongs to hide their whiskey-weathered vocals (Hetfield, I’m looking at you); Axl proved that he can still wail with the best of ‘em. What’s more, he showed energy like a young lad; feverishly running across the gargantuan stage and never missing a note; stopping only to strike the occasional pose. The other guys did well also, even if not one of them were from the original deal. So, real Axl or not, the performance came off quite like we had always imagined it would. And considering that his very loyal fanbase has been known to riot from time to time, well… wise move, Rose… wise move.

SEE FULL GALLERY HERE

We caught Metric at Squamish Music Festival last August, and it was hot, hot, hot! Emily Haines did an acoustic set earlier that day at a side stage and then rocked the main stage right and proper! Sexy, sultry vocals backed by a formidable band proved strong artistic talent and set the crowd on fire. A definite fave of 2011!!

SEE METRIC GALLERY HERE

Miami Horror emerged all the way from “Down Unda”; from Australia to Vancouver’s Fortune Sound Club last spring, and showed us the long trip was worth the travel! This disco-pop outfit brought crazy stage antics and a dance party so wild it was practically unprecedented. This show was a can’t-miss party that was well worth wading through hyperactive fans to get the shots.

SEE MIAMI HORROR GALLERY HERE

Have you heard of Man Man? I hadn’t, and so this was one of those shows that fell into the I’m shooting because of their name category. This is always precarious, but fortunately they did more than impress. This alternative (and somewhat strange) collective used unusual style, sounds and even instruments to make music that speaks to the sub-conscience. And they were equally impressive with their show, from their wacky appearance to a volcano of energy ridden performance; they converted my ‘unknown’ to a ‘loyal fan’.

SEE MAN MAN GALLERY HERE

photos by: Tamara Lee

Last Thursday night a modest crowd came in from the cold to experience Canadian roots/reggae trio Bedouin Soundclash. Despite the sparseness, they warmed up the audience right; with high energy rhythms and soulful melodic lyrics. Above all, they played with just the heart that their fans expected.

VIEW GALLERY HERE

#1 – GIRL TALK

We caught Girl Talk at Live at Squamish last August. Ever seen him live? The thing about Girl Talk is not his incredible imagination, resulting in the most adventurous and creative mash-ups that you have heard. It is not that he catches you completely unawares when he brings you from disco to hip hop to bollywood to classic 70′s rock on a dime. Yes, this makes for an unforgettable musical adventure, but the real treat is the colossal variety, which means it appeals to everyone. Yes! No matter what your musical interests, he has something in his bag of tricks that you will like. The imminent result is a raging party filled with anyone from your friends to your grandma, and the kitchen sink. And at Squamish, he did not disappoint! He brought freaks in costumes to the stage; filled the air with grafitti and lights; and let loose, creating a sea of fanatical fun. First up, top 2011 concert, Girl Talk.

VIEW GALLERY HERE

amidst spikes, chains and large burning flames. They sacrilegiously appeared last Sunday before a modest but enthusiastic crowd, proving that they are as bad-ass as they ever were.

FULL GALLERY HERE.

Full PHANTOGRAM gallery HERE

Full ATARI TEENAGE RIOT gallery HERE

Full YACHT gallery HERE

Full DAS RACIST gallery HERE

Full HEAD LIKE A KITE gallery HERE

Full WIZ KHALIFA gallery HERE

Full YOU AM I gallery HERE

Full TORO Y MOI gallery HERE

Full MAJOR LAZER gallery HERE!

Full WEEZER gallery HERE!

Full SWEET THING gallery HERE!

Full KYPRIOS gallery HERE!

Full BELLE GAME gallery HERE!

Full PROPER VILLAINS gallery HERE!

THE SCENE:  Random festival shots HERE!

Day TWO sample images HERE!

Day ONE sample images HERE!

Coming Up: GIRL TALK & METRIC ….

photos by: Tamara Lee ~      previously published: Guttersnipe

Let me just preface this by saying that TVOTR is one of my TOP fave bands of all time. I hardly ever get so fanatical about music, but I have every album and could probably list at least 25 of their songs that I am obsessed with. I even pushed back my vacation for a month when I heard they would be playing in town!

So, as to be expected, I was giddy and spastic at their show at the Commodore last Wednesday night. As soon as they came on I couldn’t decide what the heck I should do; dance, laugh, cry, lick something….oh yeah, shoot photos….right …:)

They bombed on stage with huge and hot energy that the crowd couldn’t deny. The beats were intelligent and calculated, as Adebimpe and Malone traded vocal lead back and forth and the rest tore up their instruments in response. It’s apparent that these guys can put their money where their music is; proving that they are every bit as talented as the albums.

The sound was thick, but maybe too much so… my only disappointment is that I wonder if a standard sound system can actually handle everything these guys have to say? At times it was hard to recognize the song (even Wolf Like Me) being overrun by a thousand layers of sounds. Perhaps some better mixing was required. Perhaps the sound guy threw in the towel and went for a bevy.

Despite that, these guys ripped open their musical hearts and left the spoils for the crowd’s dinner. And ecstatic fans ate. it. up. It would be incredibly hard to wane my love of TVOTR, and based on the sweaty grins I passed on the way out, I would say the crowd felt the same. All in all, amazing to experience what many describe as “blowing them away”.

FULL GALLERY HERE.

For a band barely over one years old, and with only one album so far, the turn out was impressive for their show at Venue last Thursday night. Maybe it is because Pitchfork named their popular track Go Outside as best new music. Maybe it’s because Madeline Follin was beyond cute, with her baby-sweet singing voice, baby-doll dress, or baby-pinching cheeks. What ever the reason, there was an amplitude of excited fans excited to see them play live.

Although the set was a short 45 minutes, they did not disappoint the excited crowd. As the band played, they swayed and bobbed their long mains to the music. The fans blissfully bounced around in giddy response.

There may have been sound issues, since Follin’s vox sounded pitchy at times and difficult to distinguish, but she clearly sung out with heart and energy that made it easy to get involved in. The performance was above the bands years and will only get better with more time.

Also, counter-intuitive to the band’s name, it was probably the friendliest fanbase I have ever encountered as a photog (next to YACHT). They were all smiles and encouragement as I moved around to take the pics. Thanks Cults fans:)

FULL GALLERY HERE.