The world changed again, almost overnight, during this stretch, but we’ve made it through the holidays and still taking a stroll down nostalgia lane and the music that made me back in the 90s.
Day 16 – The Lowest Of The Low – The Taming Of Carolyn
30 years this album has been around, and I am happy that we caught one of the Low shows this month at Lee’s Palace before everything went to heck again. Wednesday the 15th… cases were creeping up but the show was still on, and it was their most socially distant show they had planned. Seats filled the main floor at Lee’s and we got there early enough to catch a table on the side – as distant as we could be in the environment and my first live show since the pandemic began.
Still processing the night out and the week since… it was an amazing evening and fantastic show where they played the album start to finish, my first time seeing them do so. Then things just… turned so quickly… we were 24 hours outside of not even considering going out to a show again.
I’m glad our crew have all tested negative and we weren’t exposed that night, despite later hearing about people who were at the show having tested positive. I’m honestly just sick of covid pressing muting everything that is supposed to be good. It’s the constant asterisk on everything, with the footnote providing context to every moment, signaling that we are still amidst this global health crisis.
I’m just writing what I’m feeling right now but maybe it’s best to just focus on the music.
The music that night was incredible. My favourite song on this album has always been The Taming Of Carolyn and the band did not disappoint.
Day 17 – Sandbox – Curious
This was a huge hit and the tune still bangs. I also think the video still holds up.
No specific memories attached to this song; it just seemed to be a constant in the background and definitely belongs on the 90s CanRock life soundtrack.
Day 18 – Tegan & Sara – Just Me
Listening to this song again after so much time brings me right back to the Embassy in London where we saw them play. Trish was on my right, Liza on my left and some dude with a light brown leather jacket standing in front of me. I remember the smell of the jacket and of cigarette smoke, because you could smoke at shows back then and I remember the whole crowd just sitting in silent awe as these two performed this song perfectly imperfect.
Day 19 – The Super Friendz – 10 lbs
There’s just something about that 90’s Halifax sound. I hadn’t heard this song in years and rediscovered it this month while letting Siri just run with her algorithm during a long car ride. I love the stripped down feel, the clear as hell vocals… this sits right in the middle between Sloan and Hardship Post and is so 90s CanRock it should be on the soundtrack to any movie made that takes place during that time. It automatically creates a sense of place and time that needs no visuals to support it.
Day 20 – Scratching Post – BloodFlame
It’s been at least 15 years since I’ve heard this song and still sung along to every word the first time I listened to it this month. Saw Scratching Post a number of times during my University days. The age that came after the need for “all ages” was filled with awesome local live music, great friends and nights you wished would never end.
Lower count on the memories with the post today. Like I said, still trying to process the last week. I didn’t want to get too far behind on the list though and besides, it’s always a great distraction to keep adding to that great mixtape that is soundtrack to your life.