Date: March 8, 2008
Venue: Criminal Records

Finally, the last of my CMW posts is here! Next year I’ll definitely condense things a little more. That said, even though I’ve already discussed both The Superfantastics and Dog Day in previous entries, it’d be a shame to neglect this stacked and snowy Saturday evening in-store lineup at Criminal Records.

Kicking off in admirable fashion, Calm Down It’s Monday started the festivities. I’d never heard of them prior to learning about this show, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that CDIM is the latest vehicle for Julie Doiron (on drums) and Dick Morello (on guitar—the pair would switch places when it came time for Doiron’s set). All told, Morello came across as a clear veteran performer/songwriter (he and Doiron were also affiliated with Shotgun & Jaybird), while Doiron was infectiously content to bang away on the skins.

The bright pink drum kit itself belonged to Steph d’Entremont of the Superfantastics (given to her by an ex-boyfriend, no less), and she put it to good use during their set following CDIM. Exhibiting the same amicable stage presence that was front and centre during their show at the Cameron House a few days prior, Steph and guitarist Matt MacDonald entertained the snow weary record store crowd (Toronto got dumped on that night) to admirable affect. Moreover, seeing these guys live for the second time cemented the notion that these two are an act I’ll try to catch whenever they’re in town.

The Superfantastics - Tonight Tonite

Up Next was Julie Doiron and, while I’d seen her years prior in support of Gord Downie, I’ve always wanted to catch the Sackville songstress in a more intimate space. Granted, an in-store doesn’t necessarily provide the best ambiance, but it turned out that the amicable and relaxed—not to mention bright—atmosphere was an excellent place to hear Doiron deliver some of her fragile and endearing tunes.

If you ask me, Julie Doiron is Canadian indie rock royalty. From Eric’s Trip to an array of fantastic solo albums, not to mention numerous collaborations, Doiron has had a hand in creating some excellent music over the years. As such I was thrilled to catch her perform in such a small space (I was 3 feet away).

Endearingly flighty and almost seeming excited to the point of distraction between songs, Doiron didn’t disappoint when it came to delivering delicate and impassioned takes on her tunes. It was hilarious to watch her giggle in awe when one of the symbols kept reverberating in perfect pitch with the note she was about to sing. Though the most inspired portion of the performance was undoubtedly the interweaving of “The Wrong Guy” and “No More” (both cuts from her latest release, the highly-recommendable Woke Myself Up).

Julie Doiron - No More

Dog Day Rounded off what Doiron herself described as a “wonderful East Coast slam,” and even the other performers seemed jazzed to see the Halifax outfit cut loose (Steph of The Superfantastics was up front with her video camera) . Strangely enough, there must have been something in the air at Criminal Records, as the band seemed much more comfortable than a few nights prior at the Horseshoe. Of course, with the strong tunes of their latest album, Night Group, under their belt (such as the previously featured “Oh Dead Life” ) it’s a wonder these guys (and gals) aren’t tearing things up in cocksure fashion. Though I suppose humility is always a likable trait in such a talented band.

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That’s it—my first CMW is done! Of course, NXNE isn’t very far away, so I’ll have to start charging up the ol’ camera batteries.