Show - My Bloody Valentine
Date - Sept 25th 2008
Where - Toronto ON Venue - Kool Haus
If you've been scanning the Internet and reading the show reviews of the recent MBV concert as I have you've probably noted that just about every review had an opening line like "Well I've never been a big fan of MBV..." or "I just got their 'Loveless' CD and had only a few minutes to listen to it before writing this..." or my favourite, "I am writing this very quickly due to a deadline..." its like there wasn't a single music author in attendance of the show that had ever really listened to MBV's material let alone being a fan. That's like writing a review about the Ramones last show and not know which album "I Wanna Be Sedated" is from. Don't get me wrong not knowing anything about the subject or material can sometimes offer a unique perspective, but it really does help if you know the background. Especially in the case of My Bloody Valentine, as they are perfectionists to the last and probably one of the most eccentric and enigmatic bands left in existence. Point in fact, their last studio album "Loveless" cost a reported 250,000.00 pounds to produce, took over 2 years to record, was recorded in over 15 studios, and nearly bankrupt Creation Records.
MBV's last tour was almost 16 years ago. Kevin Shields, the bands front man, was extremely unhappy with the sound quality of previous shows. He felt they band was unable to re-create the distinct and very unique sound MBV is known for. Hence the reason they have not toured since. Shields, who stated that he wouldn't go on tour unless he could purchase the sound equipment he felt was needed. So after a nearly $300,000.00 price tag on the equipment, MBV is back on tour, maybe even for the last time. They took the stage and hurdled into the first track off their "loveless" album entitled "Only Shallow". The minute the first chord struck the audience was envoloped with a ferocious barrage of lights to go with the music. Most of the material played was off their "Isn't Anything" and "Loveless" masterpieces, much to audience delight. Was Kevin and gang able to reproduce their technically difficult sound? The answer is yes, tenfold! In fact the Kool Haus security staff were handing out ear plugs as they checked tickets upon entrance. Between the powerful and beautiful light show, the back screen imagery and their crystal clear intense sound MBV certainly managed to make up for lost time. One review I read had the author mention that he dared anyone to tell him that the audience could make out a single word that was sung thoughout the evening. This reviewer obviously has never listened to the "Loveless" album which features very subdued vocals meant to blend harmoniously with the layers of textured guitars. One could describe the show as an all out assault on the senses, but in a good way, like spending the weekend at Willy Wonka's factory without the rules. It was truly an unbelievable show, so much so that if you let the music could almost carry you off to a different dimension.
There was however one low point which was in my opinion a major one that could have made the show untouchable for the rest of time as the greatest live show ever. The band announced their last song of the evening "You Made Me Realize" and after about two and a half minutes into the song Kevin Shields and crew launched into noise explosion that shook the Kool Haus like a class 4 earthquake. Seriously I am not kidding. The clothes on your body clung to you for dear life afraid any second they would be ripped clean from you. Your ears bled as did your eyes and everyone kept looking up at the ceiling wondering when it would cave in. The noise lasted for a relentless 26 minutes. WAY TOO LONG! Had it only lasted for 6-7 minutes it could have been classified as one of the most amazing things every witnessed and heard, however they blew it, big time and the entire audience agreed. My wife and I, after about minute 10 put in the ear plugs provided to us. Other people who opted not to take the free plugs covered their ears. Some young lovers held hands like it might be their last time on earth together. The band then shifted back into finishing the song and the crowd let out a simultaneous exasperated sign of relief. Other than that blunder the show was simply pure candy for the ears and eyes and as much as I hate giving a rating to anything except comics, the show was 4star and could have received the coveted 5star rating had it not been for the last song. Kevin Shields needs to remember that although he doesn't consider himself human the rest of us are and we do bleed.
Playing with his usual artistic flare and insight Young took Cortez the Killer on a wild ride, pushing the song as far as I’ve ever heard. His ability to pay technical yet raw guitar backed by his gut wrenching vocals and unstoppable harmonica, Neil Young reminded us all just what talent looks like. In a world where we are inundated by one hit wonders and wanna-be rock stars Neil still shines through. Not alone on stage, Young assembled a 6-piece band that allowed him to push his limits as well as the crowds, playing for a solid two and a half hours. The only taste of the fabled wrath of Neil was seen when the band prematurely charged into a song, later into the show. Young stopped the band and told them, “This is Winnipeg, Winnipeg!”, before making them restart. 
With more audience banter than Neil is known for, he spoke of his dad and his history with the Free Press, commenting on a strike and how he might have to write his own review of the concert. Young winded the show down with a few new songs then a crowd-pleasing version of Rockin' in the Free World before taking his bow. A visibly emotional Neil beamed as he looked over the ragging crowd in his old hometown, seeing many of the ‘leaves from and old maple’ we might be far but we are still here. The encore was a beautiful version of the Beatles classic Day in The Life, followed by a solo Young on stage tearing into that old guitar until every last string on it was broken. I can’t help but see Neil as that guitar; he won’t be done until every last string is broken.
