Friday, June 3, 2011

Anna Calvi @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, June 2, 2011

 
Anna Calvi is good.  She's got a wonderful voice and is a terrific guitar player.  Her guitar playing definitely stood out and I was very impressed, but ... I wasn't blown away by her set.  I'm not sure why but I think it's to do with her 'image' ... it all seems a bit fake, like she's trying to be something she's not.  It's a shame because she's very talented and her performances should be special.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Stornoway @ Media Club, Vancouver, June 1, 2011

I really enjoyed the set when I saw them in December so I was pretty happy when Stornoway announced another Vancouver show.  They were better the second time around.  Maybe it was the crowd (most seemed pretty happy about a Canucks win), maybe it was me, but I love this band.  I have no idea why they're not more popular.  They've got everything ... a charming and adorably awkward frontman, great musicians and terrific songs.  Why some bands play stadiums and other bands play tiny clubs is something I will never understand, but as long as the bands I like keep touring and making money, I won't complain too much.  And besides, who wants to see a show in a stadium anyway?