Nada Surf? Nada Flute!

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 Nada Surf

With all of this talk about raves and amphitheaters…

One of the musical highlights of my 2008 was finally having an opportunity to go to a concert at Toronto’s Opera House. What a great venue, especially for a band like Nada Surf! I had always heard about the place but didn’t even know where it was, so now I know what all the fuss is about, and this explains the snaking line-ups that I occasionally crane my neck at as I cut along Queen East in my old ‘Benz.  I’ve been wanting to get this killer photo to you for months now, taken from the balcony of the Opera House, not to mention a sampling from the concert.

Sure, nada flute in this particular soundfile, but they did feature live trumpet - something not all rock bands can brag about! The sound might be a little boomy, but I think you’ll get the basic idea. From their full-on, three hour concert, this isn’t necessarily my favourite of a handful of recordings from that evening, but the others are just a little too big and unweildly to upload, so you’ll just have to wait!

Hey, maybe this is what they were checking out at Stonehenge or Thingvellir (see previous posts)!? After all, can the The O.C. be so wrong, deftly showcasing some of the finest pop acts of the day, including Coldplay and the Beastie Boys? For more Nada Surf’, check out Always Love or Weightless - played towards the end of the show, these songs sent the crowd into heights of ecstasy as I headed from the crush of the main floor up to the balcony. Sure, maybe a little middle of the road for my tastes, but these guys simply blew me away: this was a phenomenal concert, and a wonderful introduction to Toronto’s historic Concert Hall.

And credit where credit’s due: today’s bands wouldn’t sound the way they do without those who have gone before, so check links below.

Iggy & The Stooges, hang in there, what can I say…

Ron Asheton, RIP

Oh, btw, did I mention Iggy Pop? Takes me back to the first Police Picnic in Oakville, circa whatever.