Parkas w/ Whitebelt Octopus & Tacoma Hellfarm Tragedy @ the Silver Dollar, July 25. 2009

I went to see the Parkas on Saturday night and I've finally recovered (note: part of this may be moving and/or drinking related).

The Tacoma Hellfarm Tragedy was the first band up, who I missed... next time.

Next, the Whitebelt Octopus, who drove all the way from Ithaca, NY, performed his brand of incredibly vulgar, superbly hilarious, white-boy-electro-rap songs for about 40 minutes. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't supremely shocked by all the "hat" (see photos below), the number of MF bombs, and the number of references of him beeing his el on some tees, but after the initial shock, I had an awesome, awesome, time. He writes the kind rhymes that kids in grade school write, subject matter aside. They're certainly not clever, or thought provoking, or anything else particularly moving, but the rhymes combined with the hat, dancemoves, and electro-beats were nothing short of entertaining. I think had the set gone on longer, it would've been a little too much, but I would definitely, definitely, go and check the Whitebelt Motherfucking Octopus if he swims his way back up to the T.Dot.

The Parkas, while they share the same sense of humour as the Whitebelt, their set took a different sort of tone. Yes, they made jokes (often at the expense of other members of the band, as is their way), but there was an underlying sense of sadness/nostalgia (this makes much more sense if you know that this was the Parkas last show ever). But I think the Parkas, knowing it was their last show, really savoured every moment. They weren't always perfect - not that I could really tell other than based on the 'I definitely just screwed that up' looks that they would flash each other - they played music like I imagine they would've when they first started as a band: a little bit drunk and ripping away on their instruments.

And, if I haven't plugged their stuff enough, a reminder that their soon to be released, post-humous album, You Should've Killed Us When You Had the Chance, is out soon and is excellent. A couple of songs from their new album:

[mp3] The Parkas - Don't Say No
[mp3] The Parkas - The Gang's All Gone


Whitebelt Octopus





The Parkas

Pick of the Week #29: The Parkas - You Should've Killed Us When You Had the Chance

Most of the picks of the week that are made on this here blog are because I really, really, like the albums; many of them are from bands that I feel are under appreciated, and, occasionally, its because I have some type of personal connection (real or imagined) with the band... this time its all of the above!

Certainly part of my connection stems from recently graduating from teacher's cottage with lead singer Michael Brown, but, I think my (vast) appreciation of the band and their work, comes from the 2006 Documentary, A Life of Crime, by Jon Eagan and James Loftus (which I wrote about here) about the Parkas cross Canada tour and the subsequent re-structuring of the band... its hard to watch something that agonizing and not come away with a connection with the band.

This connection, of course, makes the Parkas last show ever this coming Saturday and the release of their final record You Should've Killed Us When You Had the Chance, a little (or a lot) bittersweet. The new album, which Mike sent me over the weekend (and will be available at the show, and on-line later in the summer, I suspect) is a little (or a lot) bittersweet, as well. And, in some ways, YSKUWYHtC doesn't really feel like a Parkas album.

Those familiar with the band will know them for their poiniant sense of humour and the intensity of their country tinged Strokes-esque rock tunes, which, are still present, but in a more subdued sort of way. There are some moments on the album where it kind of feels like the band is trying to get it all out it its collective system, and moments of pause where they seem very conscious that its all coming to an end, but mostly its just another terrific addition in the Parkas catalogue.... and here are two songs to prove it:

[mp3] The Parkas - Don't Say No
[mp3] The Parkas - The Gang's All Gone

A Life of Crime Trailer



Pick of the Week #1: Ketch Harbour Wolves
Pick of the Week #2: Rah Rah
Pick of the Week #3: Glasvegas/Animal Collective
Pick of the Week #4: Bruce Peninsula
Pick of the Week #5: The Antlers
Pick of the Week #6: The Darcys
Pick of the Week #7: Ohbijou (Swift Feet for Troubling Times)
Pick of the Week #8: Gentlemen Husbands
Pick of the Week #9: Chris Whitley
Pick of the Week #10: Alela Diane
Pick of the Week #11: K'naan
Pick of the Week #12: TOR/Sufjan Stevens
Pick of the Week #13: Timber Timbre
Pick of the Week #14: Justis
Pick of the Week #15: Hibiscus & Rosehips Compilation
Pick of the Week #16: Patrick Watson
Pick of the Week #17: Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
Pick of the Week #18: The Liptonians
Pick of the Week #19: Sunparlour Players
Pick of the Week #20: Black Hat Brigade
Pick of the Week #21: Howie Beck
Pick of the Week #22: Pink Mountaintops
Pick of the Week #23: Still Life Still
Pick of the Week #24: Hayden
Pick of the Week #25: Snailhouse
Pick of the Week #26: Dog Day
Pick of the Week #27: Ohbijou (Beacons)
Pick of the Week #28: Dog is Blue

The Parkas Final Show/CD Release. The Silver Dollar. July 25. 2009.

Today is the official beginning of Parkas week at the Burgeoning Metropolis...

Next Saturday is going to be like a funeral... of a new mother. The Parkas, who are awesome and I've have said so on a number of occasions, are packing it in as a band (they're dying). And, even though they're dying (figuratively) they're releasing a new album, You Should've Killed Us When You Had The Chance (the baby), which is pretty exciting, because we're going to have a way to remember the band.

So, the way I see things going on Saturday is more of a 'celebration of life (and their new bastard child)' rather than the show being a somber, sad affair (feel free to wear bright colours!); as well as, part OISE re-union (I hope). And, who knows, maybe playing their last show is exactly what the band needs to get their record on MTV and start making bazillions of dollars to quit being teachers and doctors and stuff...

*Although (History) Jen has pointed out that Amy Milan and Gentleman Reg are playing down for free down at the harbour front, Mike Brown (Parkas lead singer) points out that: 1/they'll be finished; 2/ they'll be playing again; and I'll point out that, 3/ the Parkas will be WAY more fun than either of them...

Who: The Parkas (duh!) w/ Tacoma Hellfarm Tragedy & Whitebelt Octopus
What: Rock and/or Roll
When: 10:30 pm
Where: The Silver Dollar (College & Spadina)
Why: ... why not?
How (much): $6

[mp3] The Parkas - Don't Say No

The Parkas: A Life of Crime DVD Documentary

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had picked up A Life of Crime, the documentary by Jon Eagan and James Loftus on the Parkas, their 2004 cross-country tour, and the subsequent "re-organization" of the band. It was a little strange watching the moving since, as I mentioned previously, I know Mike Brown from school; and, after seeing him in that context for the last 8 months, it was neat seeing him in his other life.

The movie itself was a really interesting look at life in a smaller Canadian band: being trapped in a van driving across the country, having venues screw you around, playing to often indifferent crowds "do you guys know any Jack Johnson?", and the tension that comes with eking out a living playing music. Anyone who listens to CBC radio 3 really ought to track down a copy of the movie, because this'll give you an idea of what your favourite musicians are going through...

Oh, and you should also note that the DVD comes with The Scars to Prove It EP, which is excellent.

And, furthermore, you should also be aware that the Parkas are putting together another record before they (permanently?) go "on a break" since they are becoming teachers, doctors, and other things....

The Trailer:

The Parkas @ Pepper Jack Cafe (Hamilton) Apr. 16. 2009

Its kind of bizarre how little I remember about seeing the Parkas last night. Could be because I'm completely exhausted right now or b/c I'm a little drunk, its impossible to say, really. But, what I do remember is this:

• Being convinced to make the drive to see my classmate Mike Brown (pictured far right) and listening to their new(est) record Put Your Head in the Lions Mouth on the way down.
  
• Having no idea how long it would take to get to Hamilton.
• And consequently asking my buddy Mr. G. if he thought we'd missed our exit yet for approx. half the drive.
• Hearing our friend Mel tell us about the new Childcare facility she's going to open (since its likely that there are going to be 0 teaching jobs in Toronto) called Babyland DaycareFace. Wanna send your kids? Let me know, I'll hook you up.
  
• Being really impressed with the Pepper Jack Cafe as a venue. Really cool space. Sad to hear (apparently) that its closing at the end of the month.
  
• Being unimpressed with the bands (who shall remain nameless) who opened.
• Being really, really, surprised with how tight the Parkas - who I had seen once before in London 6/7 years ago - were considering they don't play much together anymore.
• Being excited to hear that they are going to record something this summer before Mike takes off to teach in Northern Alberta (yes, you do have to go that far to find work as a teacher).
  
• Then, after being blown away, being really fired up to see the documentary that was made about the band A Life of Crime (trailer below).

As a side note, it looks like the band is, at the very least, taking a hiatus due to Mike's departure so they have been virtually giving away left over merch - CDs, DVDs, t-shirts (maybe) - so, you may be able to make them an offer they can't refuse and grab some Parkas swag.






A few more photos: