05/14/09: Massey Hall: Toronto, ON

[Chris Tanz]

I agree that this show was right up there with any of the 20-odd I've seen. I've never seen Gord so engaging either with his own antics or in terms of interaction with the crowd. Too bad he couldn't complete that microphone stand over the back move during the outro to Grace Too -- he seemed genuinely upset with himself after the third misfire.

The songs all sounded amazing -- full-bodied Grace Too and Fifty Mission Cap that filled the entire theatre. The new stuff was great, including a very muscular Now the Struggle Has a Name, which gave me a new appreciation for the song. Emperor Penguin and Don't Wake Daddy were a treat. Gord tried to get the crowd to sing "Sing to end all songs, to end all songs" at the end of DWD, but people weren't getting it -- everytime he held out the microphone, the crowd just cheered. Finally he said, "Ok, just say it with me: "Sing. to. end. all. songs. to. end. all. songs."". The acoustic set was stellar; I'm pretty sure that's the first time I've seen An Inch an Hour performed and to have it done acoustic was amazing. Courage was an acoustic sing-a-long. Scared was classic. The Drop Off in the first set was much better than I would have expected and even In View was tolerable live. Fireworks felt a bit blah after an epic Depression Suite to start the night.

Great night, even with the post-obstructed seats. Note to self: the real problem with the post obstructed seats isn't the post, it's the fact that you're off on the far side of the theatre and they've stacked all the speakers at the side of the stage, so you can't see Johnny, Jim Bryson, or half of Paul.

ct

[sherpa]

Here is Scared Acoustic - The sound is good but I had to dodge people's heads for most of it.

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[chris]

Here's Emperor Penguin: http://videos.hipfans.com/2009-05-14/

[Mr. Dave]

You mean Escape right?

Don't worry a lot of new fans can't tell the difference.

[chris]

You mean Escape right?

Don't worry a lot of new fans can't tell the difference.

Fack me. I ripped and posted the wrong track.

[chris]

Check it out now. Escape, Emperor and 50 MC.

[srb]

Acoustic Courage. Tuesday night, I had 10 year olds sitting in front of me. Not so lucky Thursday. Oh well.

Enjoy!

[trevor]

Acoustic Courage. Tuesday night, I had 10 year olds sitting in front of me. Not so lucky Thursday. Oh well.

Enjoy!

That's really quite a good job for being handheld Scott! Cheers!

[sherpa]

Courage Acoustic
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Gord Thanking Audience after second set
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[srb]

That's really quite a good job for being handheld Scott! Cheers!

Thanks Trevor!

[thecompletist]

Is there anyway to download those Chris ?
Wanted to show someone offline?

[chris]

Is there anyway to download those Chris ?
Wanted to show someone offline?

Sure!

Save the linked .flv files:
http://videos.hipfans.com/2009-05-14/Escape-iPhone.flv
http://videos.hipfans.com/2009-05-14/Emperor-50MC.flv

[HIPLVR]

You guys are effin awesome.

[srb]

Here's one more. The Last Recluse:

[Big Red]

Sorry (Gratts 99) You arent allowed to retire yet. lol Dont forget about Art park, 2nd row!!!! I am hoping for a similar set for that show, would love to hear Penguin, 50MC, Inch an hour, etc. Congrats on finally getting your emperor penguin, well deserved! HIP HIP HIP