Lou Barlow with Eamon McGrath at The Sound Garage

On Monday night, The Sound Garage at Blood Brothers Brewing felt like Lou Barlow’s living room, if he lived at a brewery. This was my first show at this intimate venue and it was a fantastic experience. I already knew the beer was good but I thought the space was cozy for a show like this.

The opening artist was Eamon McGrath. I found myself captivated by his songs. Particularly Hold Me Never Let Go and Givin’ Up which resonated with me. His cover of Don’t Be Denied, gave a nod to fellow Canadian Neil Young who is also in town this week (check out my Neil Young review and photos which you can find here on Live In Limbo).

The Sebadoh and Dinosaur Jr. co-founder took the stage surrounded by an array of guitars, a pedal, some mics and two stools. One stool for his setlist, held down on one corner by his keys and cell phone on another, ensuring the fan didn’t blow it away. And one stool, of course, for his butt. Did I mention the fan? It was apparent the fans were interfering with the audio and the performance. Lou consulted with the audience and it was determined that it would be better to turn them off. However sweaty it may get. Did I mention sweaty? A few songs in after the fans were turned off, Lou apologized before reaching down to remove his socks and threatening that “it could get worse”.

The setlist drew heavily from the Sebadoh catalogue but also his solo work, songs from The Folk Implosion as well as Dinosaur Jr. Magnet’s Coil provided a good starting point. Skull, Not A Friend, Two Years Two Days and I Don’t Like Changes were some of the highlights for me. A fan requested Willing To Wait to Lou’s pleasure. There were also online requests for Together Or Alone and Sunshine.

According to Lou, he has a trio of “fire songs”. However, on this occasion he only played On Fire and Soul On Fire. I have to assume the third fire song was cut from the setlist because it just wasn’t hot enough (as mentioned earlier, the fans were turned off).

Lou professed his love for Toronto and exclaimed it might be the only place he can sell out. He seems to enjoy himself when he is here. I actually saw him at my favourite burger joint, Big Trouble Pizza near the venue on Geary st. Before the show.

Thankfully, in the end, Lou kept the remainder of his clothes on, no one got heat stroke and we all went home safely.

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Be sure to check out Collective Concerts to see what other great acts they will be bringing to Toronto this year.