March of the robots

Hmm ... why are the two prominent minimalist fuzz bombers which use Japan as a prefix both duos? Coincidence ... maybe? Anyway, Japandroid did not follow King Khan and BBQ at Bluesfest - I went off to see Neko Case. These photos were taken July 15, just after 8 p.m. on the Subway Stage, and are being regurgitated on my blog now because as promised at the culmination of their set, they're back in town to play a much more intimate set at Mavericks tonight. As you can probably tell, it was pretty dark and cloudy when I started snapping these photos - and that waterproofing isn't just for show.

First up, drummer David Prowse. No relation to the guy who filled out the Darth Vader suit, I presume.





And then there's singer-guitarist Brian King - never leave town without your staircase.



The lighting wasn't quite as good at his end of the stage.



They're quite an active lot.



If you take a look at the larger versions you'll see Brian has a Christmas Polaroid taped to his Telecaster.



Brian steps out.



Guitar-whacking action!



Brian can't really fly.



Hair-shaking action!



Brian goes down.



David sings!



Well-lit action (not really)!



Big finish!



That was entertaining, though I still prefer Japanthers, if only because I've seen them up close. Perhaps I'll have more grounds for comparison tonight when the hit the stage along with The Coathangers and Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band tonight.

Make it quick

It's becoming clear that any weather forecast calling for no rain is not to be trusted. Good thing I brought my umbrella for yesterday's Bluesfest outing, because despite predictions that any showers would be coming overnight, it dribbled down on us starting at about 8 p.m. When I got to LeBreton Flats it was about 6:40 p.m. and The Duhks were rounding things off at the Fast Food Chain Stage.

The Folk Festival frequent flyers were playing an extended cover of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love. Things sounded pretty good. I bumped into a former coworker, international travel-blogger Louise Brown, who said she'd seen them do better shows.


The Dukhs, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

I only had plans to see two bands on this particular evening, starting with local rockers Good2Go at the Music-Themed Eatery Stage, where they were introduced as "The only band featuring an Ontario teacher of the year!" (True.) Singer Miss Maureen got into the bead-tossing act.


Good2Go, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

My next choice was between The National and Japandroids. I decided to go see Japandroids (a bit silly in hindsight, since they'll undoubtedly be through Ottawa again before The National). Eppiphane was finishing their set as we arrived at the Fast Food Chain Stage.


Eppiphane, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

As for Japandroids, I was mightily entertained by their fuzzy two-man garage rock. They came with their own miniature stair case so guitarist Brian King can loom over drummer David Prowse. They're now my second-favourite duo with Japan in the name.


Japandroids, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

After that Louise and I headed over to the Music-Themed Eatery Stage to see what the Skydiggers were up to these days. There was something vaguely unappealing about their opening tune about making love.


Skydiggers, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

After that, we went over the hill to see rapper K'naan. The substantial crowd was definitely wild about the show.


K'naan, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

However, he didn't hold my interest or Louise's, so we left and went out separate ways.

• Show reminder: Harvey Cartel and Bandier Lake play The Elmdale House Tavern.