On Saturday night, the 21st of May, the Rock House on George Street was crowded. The reason? Barry Canning, a native of Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland, now living in Toronto, ON, was in town to have a release party for his new album, "Light of a Setting Sun".
At 10 pm even that night, the doors for the show opened. I made my way in, got my bracelet (which I need to take off) and then took a look around the Rock House. Very nice venue, and I love the way it was set up.
Around 10:30, the opening act, Brothers In Stereo, came on. They only did a three or four songs, but I was impressed. If you're at all interested, you should definitely check out their music.
At 11:30, Barry Canning and his band- Cory Tetford, Paul Kinsman, Paul "Boomer" Stamp, Glenn Parsons, and Chris LeDrew- hit the stage. And did they ever rock it.
The First Set: Light of a Setting Sun
1. Haven't Learned A Thing
This song is very catchy, and was a great way to kick off the show, and is the perfect choice for the lead track on this album. The lyrics really do lead you to wonder why we don't learn from our mistakes, and consequently, learn about love. Barry hits the nail right on the head with this song.
2. Broken Boy
Barry said that this song was inspired by a text conversation that he had with a friend. Makes one wonder what was said. This song was/is a little harder to get into, but I must confess that after listening to the album last night and today, the song has grown on me. Still not as much as the others, but its getting there, without a doubt.
3. Don't Write Me Off
The idea for this song came from an e-mail Barry received from Chris LeDrew, and the subject header was "Don't Write Me Off". From those words alone, Barry managed to write a very catchy tune, one that I love the more that I hear it.
4. Killing Me
One of Barry's favourite songs on the album. In listening to it last night and today, I can see why he feels that way. Definitely one of the better tracks on the album.
5. Time Turns Around
As the video says, it is one of two songs co-written by Alan Doyle, who most of you who read my blog know, is of Great Big Sea fame, and he also produced Barry's last album "Last Man Standing". Word of note on this track: I think it might have replaced LMS as my favourite Canning/Doyle co-write. Listen to it yourself, and you'll see why I think so. Video is mine, by the way.
6. Two Ships
I first heard Barry perform this tune back in December when he opened for Great Big Sea. From the first time I heard the tune, I fell in love with it. And last night I fell in love with it all over again. With the full backing of his band, Barry's voice and guitar work made this song even more lovely, if that's possible.
7. Sweet Surrender
I think that this song might be my new favourite Barry song, EVER. It is so romantic, and I think that the amazing Mr. Canning writes the best love and breakup songs. You have to get the album and hear this song for yourself. It will be worth your money!
8. Big Mistake
Really enjoyed this tune last night, and its one of those ones that will also grow on you the more that you listen to it. Honestly.
9. Ruins of Love
Love this one too, enough said.
10. Secret Love
I think that this song contains some of my favourite lyrics on the album in
"Is blood thicker than wine, is love stronger than time?
From Adam and Eve came the fall
Is a secret love better than no love at all?"
11. Get Over You
<3 <3 <3 That's all I have to say about this song.
12. The Other Side
The video explains it all. Second of two co-writes by Alan Doyle on this album. I'm beginning to love the Canning/Doyle songwriting relationship. Anyone else with me?
The Second Set
The second set contained a lot of fan favourites: Last Man Standing, When You Were Young, Beautiful Life, and The One, among others.
Here's some videos of my favourite songs from the second set.
Beautiful Life
I was late in switching my camera to video mode for this song, but still got the majority of this song. For those of you who like the song, its available on "Soul Parade" and Barry's compilation album, which features his best songs from "Soul Parade" and "Last Man Standing".
The One <3
I have loved this song for as long as I can remember. Still do. And last night, getting to hear it and dance along with it was so much fun!
King For A Day
Lemme explain this one. Barry gave the stage to Cory Tetford (producer of the record) for a little while. Before Barry came back up, a fan requested this song, and Cory was more than glad to oblige. Barry came back up, Cory whispered to him about this song, Barry nodded, and then left the stage again. Cory is joined on this song by Chris LeDrew. You'll see him on the centre microphone. The crowd went nuts during this song!
Some Pictures From The Show
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| Cory Tetford, Paul Kinsman, Barry Canning, Paul "Boomer" Stamp, Sandy Morris, and Bob Strome. |
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| See above caption. |
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| Me and Cory Tetford |
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| Barry Canning |
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| Cory and Barry |
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| Me and Barry. I love this picture. <3 |
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| My autographed CD. Love it, even if he forgot the "s" in my name. |
Overall Impressions
1. I really like the Rockhouse. Nice place, great atmosphere, and a wonderful layout. Friendly staff as well.
2. Lighting on stage was excellent. Made it easy to take pictures a videos. A definite plus.
3. I really enjoyed Brothers In Stereo. I need a CD of theirs, and quick.
4. Barry Canning knows how to draw a crowd to George Street on a Saturday night.
5. Light of a Setting Sun is better than Last Man Standing, and it takes a lot for me to admit that.
Your thoughts?
If you are reading this, and have the album, I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, if you get this album because of the review, let me know. I think great music deserves to be shared.
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