I Break Horses @ Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, April 27, 2012

Hearts was one of my favourite albums of 2011 and I can't remember the last time I was that excited to see a band play live.  I bought my tickets for the show in December and had read mixed reviews of their live show but on the night, I was amazed by how well they were able to translate their songs into a live setting. They sounded absolutely superb and seemed quite appreciative of the crowd's reaction.  The wait was almost worth it but I hope I don't have to wait too long to see them play again.

Now, Now @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, April 25, 2012

There are so many bands that I really like that I've never seen and when I first heard Now, Now (way back when they were called Now, Now Every Children) I never expected to be able to see them live.  I've been lucky enough to see them 3 times now and absolutely love their new album, Threads.  It was quite a thrill to see them make their Vancouver debut and hopefully they'll be back for a proper headline show soon.

Exitmusic @ Electric Owl, Vancouver, April 24, 2012

Even though I'd seen them twice before and really liked them, I was still amazed by how good they were on the night.  They sounded absolutely fantastic and I'm even more excited for their album to be released. I feel spoilt that I've been able to see them 3 times in about 6 months so I hope I don't have to wait too long to see them again.

k.flay @ Media Club, Vancouver, April 20, 2012

I like her more each time I see her - and I've now seen her 4 times in about 6 months.  She has such a wonderful energy and presence on stage which makes for a very entertaining set.  It would be enough, I think, but she's got a drummer with her who is ... absolutely amazing.  I think I'd pay money just to see him play - he's that good.

Caveman @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, April 20, 2012

I liked them both times I saw them at SXSW but for whatever the reason, they were so much better on the night.  Maybe it was because they played my favourite song, Great Life, or who knows why ... it doesn't really matter ... all I know is that for 45 minutes Caveman made me fall completely in love with them.  The album, CoCo Beware is wonderful but live, their songs had so much more detail and the drumming, oh the drumming.  I can't wait to see them again.

We Are Augustines @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, April 10, 2012

I don't think I've ever seen a band that looks happier to be on stage than We Are Augustines.  They just look so thrilled to be up there playing music and doing what they enjoy that you can't help but love them for it.  I'm sure lots of bands are happy to be playing music (actually I'd hope all of them are) but very few look like they're enjoying it as much as We Are Augustines.  It's quite a treat to see and combined with rather superb music, it makes for a pretty unbeatable combination.  They're getting a fair bit more recognition so hopefully more people will take note how great they are.

Fanfarlo @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, April 9, 2012

I absolute adore Fanfarlo's first album and their Vancouver show at the Media Club in November 2009 was a highlight of that year.  I was pretty excited when they finally announced their second show here although I must confess, it was a bit tempered as their second album didn't live up to my high expectations but ... live, they were as good or perhaps even better than that magical Media Club show.  They've had a couple of years to grow and get to know each better and it's obvious from their live performance how comfortable they are and oh, that trumped.  It was a truly wonderful evening.

Mike Doughty @ The Media Club, Vancouver, April 5, 2012

I don't think I'd ever listened to Soul Coughing or his solo material before seeing him live, but a friend is a big fan and I went along.  The show was a mixture of him on his acoustic guitar interspersed with him reading from his new book, The Book of Drugs.  It was a really fun night.  He's captivating and charming and it's always a pleasure to be in the presence of someone who should be on stage.