Spoons - Romantic Traffic / Tell No Lies 30th Anniversary Show.

It's hard to believe it's been 30 years, it's amazing how quickly time flies. I swear it was just yesterday I headed down  to Sam the Record Man to grab my first copy of this  astounding album. Last Friday night at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club the Spoons marked the anniversary by putting on a absolutely spectacular show to a sold out crowd here in down town Toronto. This also marks only the second time in 25 years that all four original members Gord, Sandy, Rob, and Derek performed together. I see Steve Sweeny was filming the show, hopefully this means the DVD will be available at the next gig, fingers crossed.

 

 

Arias & Symphonies 30th Anniversary Concert

 

 

 

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The moment I arrived I knew it was gonna be crazy. I quickly took my place at the front before the place filled, still a spot or two remaining on the right side for me to squeeze in; the front was definitely a no go, already packed. I hate jostling for a good vantage point, I always arrive early so I don't have to. This time I arrived late, had to pick up a few friends before heading downtown.  Friday Night at the Revival was the best shows Ive seen in a very long time. This month marks the 30th anniversary release of one of the greatest Canadian albums of all time. Arias & Symphonies garnered both critical and commercial success following it's release in 2002, as perfect as an album can get, it yielded three top 40 singles and rocketed the band to the forefront of the Canadian New Wave scene. Friday's concert also marked the first time in more that 25 years the original heyday line has performed together. Along with Sandy Horne and Gordon Deppe, keyboardist Rob Preuss and Drummer Derek Ross also performed to the delight of the sold out crowd. Its was like 1984 all over again. As an extra bonus the concert featured the long awaited reunion of Images In Vogue who opened the night with an 8 song setting which included  “Lust For Love”, “In The House”, “Save It” and “Call It Love” among others. Its was no surprise that they sounded as great as they ever have. Dale Martindale's voice is, as it has always been, absolutely spectacular, hopefully this is the start of greater things to come, one can only hope. As for the Spoons what can I say that hasn't already been said. It's no big secret that this is one of my favorite bands, always amazing to see this much talent perform live, and this was perhaps the best show yet. New members Casey MQ (keyboards) and Chris McNeil (Drums) also  did a fantastic job, graciously relinquishing their duties during part of the set to allow Rob and Derek to shine. One thing is certain, they need to start playing larger gigs; the Revival, as great as it is, simply isn't big enough anymore. This concert sold out a week in advance and I know alot of disappointed fans that waited too long and were left without tickets... snooze ya loose I guess.

Arias & Symphonies 30th Anniversary Painting

The Spoons - Arias & Symphonies 30th Anniversary Exclusive Painting from Green Screen Studios on Vimeo.

The Revival - March 30, 2012

Just getting home, 2:00 am. I really wish the TTC ran later, it might of saved me thirty bucks, that's what the cab ride cost me to get back home. Ahh well, shit happens...I was at the Revival tonight. Great show as expected, this the second time in as many months the Spoons have played a live gig, and there another show in Hamilton coming up. The was a special show as it marks the 30th Anniversary of the "Nova Heart" release, not only one of the Spoons best songs of all time, but also one of the greatest singles ever released by any Canadian band of all time. Of course that's just my opinion, but never the less a correct one. To commemorate the anniversary the band has released a special CD singe with six different version of the song including the Dark Before Dawn and Sigularity versions whichh are brand new 2012 remixes. There were two openning bands that were also excelent Calling August kicked it off...

Static In Transmission - Spoons

Well what can I say about this one...It would have been difficult, if not impossible for Gord and Sandy to release anything short of perfect. Not just just because of their extraordinary talent, but because the simple fact they've had 20 years to write this album. Anything less than perfect would have been unacceptable. Of course anyone that knows anything about this band pretty much knew what to expect before buying it; an Absolute Masterpiece from beginning to end. That's what we expected and that's what we got. Gordon Deppe is one of the most exceptional singer song writers in Canadian music history, and I don't think he even realizes it. It's been far too long between projects, far far too long...
....This is the first release of new material by the Spoons since 1988s "Vertigo Tango", I think many of us were afraid at one point that we may never see or hear from this band again. Like many of the bands of the 80's they have continued to fight an uphill battle against a record industry that values style over substance and were talent and creatively are inconsequential. Many bands fell by the wayside as the music industry rushed headlong into the 90's in pursuit of Boy Bands and Grunge music, both of these genre's adhering obnoxiously to the conformity that hallmarks the 90's music scene; a creative wasteland to say the least... In this path of destruction a great many bands met their demise and the Spoons may very well have been one of them. Thankfully thought, to the delight of their fans, every once in a while this great Canadian band would resurface, play the occasional show, only to disappear once again, back into the shadows, I'm sure most of us had given up on ever hearing new material again... then, just a few years ago it appears things began to change, and change for the better. Not exactly sure when, or why but I suspect it had something to do with the release of "Unexpected Guest at a Cancelled Party", an album of previously unreleased material that gave Spoons fans the opportunity to hear music that they had never heard before. In addition Linus Entertainment released "The Spoons Live In Concert" a DVD featuring two classic shows for the 80's, one from the Concert Hall in Toronto and the other from the Forum in Montreal. Following these two important releases interest has steadily grown as the fans once again discover one of Canada's greatest bands.
....THE ALBUM - Static In Transmission starts with a bang "Breaking In" the lead of track is a high energy tune that feature some astounding keyboard work reminiscent of the 80's yet stylistically updated to sound new and innovative in a way that I can only describe as a fusion of two decades. The second track "Imperfkt" is the first single released off the album and one of my favorite tracks . This is a pop oriented upbeat tune will have ya tapping you feet immediately, I find myself playing this track over and over, it's absolutely fantastic. The third track "Numb" slows thing down and features some beautiful lyrics as Gord Depp, this is sure to be a favorite for many fans. The fifth track "Star Maps" once again kicks it into high gear, featuring some great guitar work by Gord, and an astounding bass line by Sandy Horne. The great lyrics and a killer hook (chorus), make this tune a perfect choice for the next single, it's one of the strongest tracks on the album. The fifth track "Escape With You" is my personal favorite, the song is about an obsessive fan, and the lyrics are pure genius. This is also the track were Sandy Horn takes the lead on vocals, once again this track should certainly be released as a single as it is a number one hit for certain. "You Light Up" is the first official single released off the new album, and upbeat poppy tune that really gets the crowd going. It features some great key board work and a high energy pace that's perfect for introducing a new generation of music fans to the band. Track seven "B-Movie" is beautiful ballad, which I interpret as a song about the Spoons and how they were treated by record industry in the late 80's. Of course that's just my opinion, you may interpret it completely differently, I believe the song and/or subject matter is a metaphor for the bands trials and tribulations. Track eight "End of Story" once again kicks it up a notch in this fantastic tune that features some excellent keyboards work reminiscent of their 80's heyday material, add to that some great lyrics by Gord and this tune's an excellent choice for future release as a single. It also features some nice back up vocals by Sandy Horne, especially near the end. "Words Will Smash Walls" the ninth track features some uniquely different keyboard work, especially at the intro, Gord took the time to ensure that each song is completely unique, and stands on it's own. Simple and catchy, this tune is sure to a favorite of many a fan. "The Closing Credits" the final track on the album is a perfect close-out to this perfect album. Gord and Sandy slow it down, in a song full of meaning with heart felt lyrics that leave you feeling just little bit sad, cause it's all over...until next time that is : )

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Produced By Jeff Carter
Universal Music / Fontana North

The Spoons are:

Gordon Deppe: Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards

Sandy Horne: Bass Guitar, Vocals

Spoons CD Release Party - June 1, 2011

Last Night at The Revival, a club along College street in Toronto The Spoons had their CD release Party for the new album "Static In Transmission". As usual the venue was filled to maximum capacity and everyone there had a great time. This is the first release of new material by the Spoons since 1988s "Vertigo Tango", and the new album is nothing short of spectacular (of course it should be, it's not like they haven't had 23 years to write it). New member Casey MQ (keyboards) and Chris McNeil (Drums) did a fantastic job fitting right in to their new roles as part of one of Canada's greatest bands. The resurgence of the Spoons continues to move ahead full throttle, as newspaper articles, TV and radio appearances along with a fantastic new video in support of the latest single "You Light Up" has once again garnered lots of attention. How far will Gord and Sandy take it this time?, well that's anyone's guess. With a Canadian tour planned as well as an album of great new material to perform I'd say the possibilities are limitless. I've included some pics I took a the show... very dark at the Revival, very hard to get anything worthwhile... The link to the entire album is at the very bottom (smaller icon) enjoy...
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From Spoons CD Release Party

From Spoons CD Release Party

From Spoons CD Release Party

From Spoons CD Release Party

Spoons CD Release Party

Spoons - You Light Up - Video Shoot.

I was invited to the shoot for the Spoons new video last Sunday. The new singles called "You Light Up" and it's off the new album Static In Transmission, which also came out last week. What a fantastic time I had, and what a fantastic new single. They played it a bunch of times while they were filming and then they performed a mini-concert that lasted about 45 minutes. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon that's for sure. I'm not gonna review the new album yet as I have listened to it enough times. Generally I like to spin it at least ten times before I make a comment, so far so good though... Her are some shots I took at the video shoot, Gord and Sandy are always cool about cameras, that's one of the things I like about them.

. The link to the entire album is below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/Lunatic.Entrails/SpoonsVideoShootApril32011?feat=directlink

Tattoo Rock Parlour - April 30, 2010 - Spoons

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...The first concert of the summer , and what better way to start off the season than with the Spoons live at the Tattoo. They played their 30th Anniversary party to sold out crowd, in what is sure to be one of the best shows of the summer. Every time I see this band they get better and better, and the shows get busier and busier. Arrived an hour before the doors opened last Friday and there was a hundred people in line, perhaps I should be concerned, I'd be extremly pissed if I showed for a gig one night and couldn't get in... It's certainly clear that their popularity is once again growing, and we're gonna have to share... Ahh Well, I guess that's a good thing.

...The show included a few surprises that many were'nt expecting, David Marsden, the driving force behind CFNY during the 80's was on hand to introduce the band. Marsden was one of the most influential figures in the Canadian Music Industry during the 80's, giving many Canadian bands and international alternative bands Major Canadian radio exposure. Also on hand was legendary producer John Punter, who not only worked with the Spoons but also Roxy Music, Nazareth, John Cougar, Japan, Bryan Ferry, Procol Harum and Sara Craig to name just a few.
...Along with the Spoons regular line up which includes Gordon Deppe, Sandy Horne, Steve Kendry and Steve Sweeny, Rob Preuss also returned to the keyboards for the first time in almost 25 years. Rob was the Spoons keyboardist during their heyday era of 81 to 85, he did a fantastic job playing the final set of the night as well as the encor. It's obvious he'd been practicing because it was an absolutley perfect set. He pulled it off without a hitch, much to the thrill of the crowd, most of whom were not expecting this surprise. Well done Rob, Way-da-Go!!! ...What a fantastic night.

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The Set List for the show was as follows...

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Trade Winds

Arias & Synphonies

Smiling In Winter

Romantic Traffic

Rodeo

Bending

2000 Years

New Song #1 - The Epic

New Song #2 - The Pop Song

My Favorite Page

Stop

The Rythem

Quiet World

Old Emotions

No Elections

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Encore

Tell No Lies

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...To view my entire albums simply click on the link below, still workin out a few minor problem with my new camera, but the pics didn't turn out bad.

Spoons at the Tattoo 2010

For more pics and video clips of the show, check out the Spoons official web site below...

http://www.thespoons.ca/index2.shtml

Spoons at the Tattoo Rock Parlour March 26 2009

The Tattoo Rock Parlour in Toronto was packed to full capacity last night for the Spoons concert, sorry my picks ain't better, I need to get a decent camera. They put on a fantastic show for the very lively crowd, it's amazing how many hits this band has, no matter how many time I see them I'm always amazed. Its easy to see why after all these years they still command such a loyal following and of course the musicianship is second to none, 30 years of playing together tends to do that... last nights set included a couple of songs I'd never heard live before. Mecurial Girl and Rodeo.

The set list was as follows..
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Trade Winds (Recorded)
Arias & Symphonies
Smiling In Winter
Bridges Over Borders
Romantic Traffic
Like A MemoryWaterline
Mercurial Girl
Old Emotions
Tell No LiesRed Light
No Electrons
One In Ten Words
Nova Heart
When Time Turns Around (E1)
Rodeo (E2)

Unexpected Guest At A Cancelled Party.

This album was released last summer and it is absolutely spectacular. To the left is a copy of the CD cover and a statement below by Gordon Depp - The lead singer and Guitarist for the Spoons...

"Searching for and finding these songs was like uncovering lost memories in some ancient, overgrown garden. Some had to be carefully restored from their neglected, corrupted state, not unlike faded photographs or cracked, moss covered statues. For some, it seemed, it was merely a matter of time before any hope of a second life would slip away all together. But with a bit of care, they were brought back to life and, as they did, the memories that surrounded the songs also came back into focus. Of innocent days in the early 1980s when we were at our creative best and songs came without effort, when they just happened out of the sheer pleasure of making music. If you push back the vines a little, you might see bits and pieces of songs that would make their way into other recordings. Unpremeditated Love and In The Hands Of Money show you their origins and, I think, are still more pure and musical. See if you can pick out the references to the Arias & Symphonies album, scattered all through 2,000 Years. The earliest compositions on this collection are Bending and the instrumental Young English Gentleman, the latter a tribute to our good friend and producer John Punter. Given the chance, I think newer songs like Love Drum and Love Can Be A Stranger could have had their day in the sun. But more than any, Spaces was probably buried the deepest, so much so that I didn't recognize it as our own when I first found it. So long had it been sleeping under the dead leaves. The instrumental section near the end is my favourite moment on the whole album.Most of these songs were recorded after Romantic Traffic and Tell No Lies, in a tiny, hidden away studio in Oakville, Ontario. We were about to embark on a whole new chapter in our musical lives that would leave these old ideas forgotten, to slowly weather over time and eventually fade into the earth. So, in a way, this album truly was almost never made. Fortunately, never is just a word." Gord Deppe May 2007

In the Winter of 1982 The Spoons hit the air waves with their first commercially successful single the song was Nova Heart. This would be the first of many singles to rush up the charts by this talented foursome...The single would be followed quickly by the album Arias & Symphonies which would help establish the Spoons as one of Canada premier New Wave bands. I don't know how many are old enough to remember but in 1982 Arias & Symphonies charted at number four in the CFNY top 100 album of that year...the top 5 were as follows...

1. Simple Minds - New Gold Dream

2. Duran Duran - Rio

3. Roxy Music - Avalon

4. The Spoons - Arias And Symphonies

5. ABC - Lexicon Of Love

For those who are interested in the entire list the link is here...http://www.spiritofradio.ca/Charts/CFNY-1982.pdf

"Spoons" were and still are Canada's greatest contribution to the New Wave movement. Under Ready Records, a small independent record label that sprung up in Toronto in the early 1980s. They cut a record, Stick Figure Neighbourhood followed by Arias & Symphonies, and started climbing the charts. Spoons were at one point courted by three major American record labels who wanted to distribute the band's music.

Most of the promises made to the group were broken by Ready and the record company soon lost interest, the promotional budget was scrapped also. In Sandy's words... "It was like we were in a straight line heading one way, and someone took the motor out and yanked us out. And then we're going 'and now what?' "

UnExpected Guest is a collection of previously un-released material. Some might think that because it was unreleased it's probably shit, but this is not the case. It is a fantastic album and a number of songs would likely of charted very well if the had been released. Three songs in particular "Unpremeditated Love", "2,000 Years", and "In The Hands Of Money" should be released as singles immediately as they are exceptionally well written.

The Entire album is as follows...

1. Love Drum 4:16

2. Show & Tell 3:33

3. Unpremeditated Love 3:47

4. 2,000 Years 4:21

5. World In Motion 4:16

6. Bending 3:32

7. Young English Gentleman 3:35

8. In The Hands Of Money 3:34

9. No Promises 4:39

10. Spaces 3:12

11. Love Can Be A Stranger 3:31

12. Ciao 1:34

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Spoons

....In the Winter of 1982 one of my all time favorite Canadian groups hit the air waves with their first commercially successful single the song was "Nova Heart" and the Band was The Spoons. Produced and mixed by John Punter, who flew in from England to do so, this would be the first of many singles to rush up the charts by this talented foursome...The single would be followed quickly by the album "Arias & Symphonies" which would help establish the Spoons as one of Canada's premier New Wave bands. With the right balance between keyboard and guitar, they possessed an original sound that allowed them success not just in Canada but also America as well. Among their hits were Nova Heart, Arias & Symphonies Smiling In Winter, Tell No Lies, and Romantic Traffic. "Spoons" were and still are in my opinion Canada's greatest contribution to the New Wave movement. Although not as active as they use to be, the band still performs one-off concerts from time to time. Many of us North of the boarder still remember them fondly and continue to support them whenever the oppertunity arises. I had the privilege of seeing them perform last January at Jeff Healy's in Toronto, they still do gigs now and then and they are every bit as impressive now as they were 25 years ago....

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The Spoons are...

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Gordon Deppe...........lead vocals and guitar

Sandy Horne.............vocals and bass

Rob Preuss...............keyboards, synths..1979-85

Derrick Ross.............drums...1980-1985

Brett Wickens...........keyboards, synths...1979-80

Scott MacDonald........keyboards....1985-present

Steve Kendry............drums...1985 - present

Peter Shepherd.........drums...1979