That Night in Toronto

Articles

Back from the brink

16 hours ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

Canadian federal election is this coming Monday. Take nothing for granted—even if the party leaders are. Tamara Lindeman of the Weather Station is not. So, yes to all of this:Also this, where she digs deeper on strategy. Paul Wells notes how all the leaders seem terrified of the media—unless the interviewers are know-nothing Americans. That said, being who I am, I very much enjoyed Nardwuar the Human Serviette talking to both Carney and Singh.
That Night in Toronto

2 days ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

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Change of Heart, alive in 2025

2 days ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

Something I never thought I’d say in 2025: there’s a new Change of Heart album and it’s amazing. Not only that, but In the Wreckage features every former member of the band—including percussionist Michael Armstrong, who died four months after recording began. Which is all the more reason to celebrate those who remain, to make the most of the days we have while we can.
Country and old men

1 week ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay |Will Hermes

Holy Thursday!This week: two old dudes with parallel careers in the same genre, both born in 1955 on either side of the border by a Great Lake; one just turned 70, the other will later this year. (Thirty Tigers)Gary Louris has led the Jayhawks for the past 40 years (or rather, he joined the band in 1985, which Mark Olson started the year before; Olson left in 1995). So… why a solo album? His two other solo records featured full-band arrangements.
Missing in Miss America

1 week ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

Legendary producer/writer Joe Boyd (Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention) was in Toronto this weekend to promote his epic and excellent new book, And the Roots of Rhythm Remain (wrote about it here). Coincidentally, the launch was held at the Rivoli: the Queen Street club that opened in 1982 with a logo designed by Mary Margaret O’Hara—and Joe Boyd played a big role in O’Hara’s one major album, 1988’s Miss America.
Book 'em, Boyd-o

2 weeks ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

Never-Ending Present readers: There’s a tribute to the Tragically Hip that I played a small part in curating for organizers Elliott Lefko and Stephen Stanley, taking place at the Garrison on May 9. It follows the same format as the Replacements tribute Lefko and Stanley staged last year: a house band with guest singers, admission is non-perishable food for the Daily Bread Food Bank, and all done in honour of the late Dave Bookman.
Clem Burke's beat

2 weeks ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

Clem Burke, the 70-year-old drummer in Blondie, died of cancer this week. The NYT obit is here. There’s a great 2022 interview with him for Tidal here. There aren’t many drummers of the new wave era who are almost as well known as their band’s singer. In fact, are there any?
The Beth of times

3 weeks ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay |Justin Ling

In the category of “tell me something I not only know inherently but experience daily” and also the category of “why are all my media/arts friends becoming therapists?” this New York Times article about Get Xers’ midlife career crises is more than obvious, but also a very good snapshot. Listen to this while reading it:And so: onwards to Portishead. (Domino)Beth Gibbons has always thought Beth Gibbons is none of your business.
Live baby live: Q1 2025

3 weeks ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay

No member of Kraftwerk uttered a word during their March 8 show in Toronto, other than sole original member Ralf Hütter saying, “Thank you, good night” at 10 p.m. sharp (at a show that started at 8 p.m. sharp — so German!).
Sun and shadow songs

4 weeks ago | michaelbarclay.substack.com | Michael Barclay |Sarah Lazarovic

For infinite reasons but, as Canadians, this and this and, Jesus Christ, even this, here’s some palliative music from our southern frenemies. (Thrill Jockey)There is every reason, in the face of destruction, not to go gently into the night, but to wail in horror. For that, I refer you to the new album by Intensive Care and The Body.