This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, November 2004 Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi is the debut release by Camera Obscura.  It is being released for the first time in North America with bonus tracks featured from their single, “Eighties Fan.” Fans who found the band with their second album, Underachievers Please Try Harder, will be disappointed with this record.  There are a few standout tracks, such as “Eighties Fan” and “Swimming Pool,” which will help the disc find its way… Read More »Camera Obscura – Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, November 2004 During the 1990s, Peter Elkas was the guitarist and one of the songwriters for Canadian indie band The Local Rabbits.  With the support of other Canadian acts, such as Thrush Hermit, Sloan and The Flashing Lights, the Local Rabbits toured extensively across Canada, playing their infectious pop-rock to what would become a cult following of fans.  The Rabbits were even asked to back Neko Case as her “boyfriends” during some… Read More »A Lone Rabbit On The Road

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, October 2004 Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5) Opening with “North Humberland West,” The Sadies’ latest album gets off on a kick.  A tribute to the lesser-known Byrds instrumental “Nashville West,” the song hints at the direction of the album.  Heavily influenced by the post-David Crosby Byrds, Toronto’s indie-darlings know how to create country-rock like the masters. Comprised of brothers Dallas and Travis Good (guitars) along with Sean Dean (bass) and Mike Belitsky (drums), The… Read More »The Sadies – Favourite Colours

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. Lee’s Palace in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 25th, 2004 By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, October 2004 Rating: ★★★ (3.0/5) Lee’s Palace feels empty for a Saturday night.  About fifty people sit around waiting, talking, and enjoying a beer.  Ready for the band to arrive, the crowd waits patiently as Boy prepares to take the stage. Boy are five men: guitar, drums, more guitar, bass and keys/slide guitar/more guitar.  Blasting the venue with loud guitars, Boy is capable… Read More »Matt Mays

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, October 2004 Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) Gentleman Reg (Reginald Vermue) is also known as a member of The Hidden Cameras and occasional guest with Broken Social Scene.  Darby & Joan is his third album, and it’s amazing.  Sounding like a cross between Rufus Wainwright and Belle & Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, Reg’s voice is odd but pleasant. The opening track, “Bundle,” gets the listener into the album right away.  Reg’s voice immediately stands… Read More »Gentleman Reg – Darby & Joan

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, October 2004 Songs of sadness, songs of love, and a soundtrack for a life.  Elliott Smith’s songs seem to be the soundtrack that has helped thousands of listeners get through a rough part of their lives.  A discussion of Smith’s music doesn’t tend to involve musicianship, vocal ability, songwriting or even individual songs.  It’s the memories associated with it that matters.  Smith leaves behind a general feeling of comfort and warmth that… Read More »A Fond Farewell To A Friend

This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive. By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, September 2004 Rating: ★★★ (3.0/5) Everyone has heard William Shatner’s rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”  There are many who wish they never had.  Montreal-born William Shatner is not a singer and admits this whole-heartedly.  Has Been, Shatner’s first album since 1968’s Transformed Man, consists of spoken word-over-music produced by Shatner’s friend Ben Folds, with help from a few other stars such as Aimee Mann, Joe Jackson… Read More »William Shatner – Has Been