The Stables
Omemee, Ontario, Canada | INDIE
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Monday, August 25, 2008
If The Horseshoe ever decides that it's time for them to get themselves a house band, my vote goes to The Stables.
Their brand of rip roaring countrified punk is exactly the type of
music one longs to hear when entering the back end of this legendary
venue, and they totally tore the house down. I remembered how great
they were the last time
that I saw them, but I think the significantly larger and more
enthusiastic crowd had the band bringing us their 'A' game this time
around. The simple setup was still in tact: namely the guitar, the
hockey stick bass, and the grass skirt drum kit, which gave their
simple songs the ability to really stand on their own, without
unnecessary clutter. Every band on the bill gave us at least one
memorable cover song, and The Stables' version of The Dead Milkmen's Punk Rock Girl
managed to achieve the impossible, that is, making the song more
outrageous and fun than it already is. The members of the band (Poor
Pelly, Blind Billy Blasko, Darren Clarke) seem to make every show as
much fun as possible, and this is especially true with Clarky, who has
got to be the happiest man alive. The songs range from silly country to
contemplative songwriting, and this is ultimately what makes them a
band to pay close attention to.
- http://itsnotthebandihateitstheirfans.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Stables - Live at Rancho Relaxo
After searching for the appropriate bar last Friday night, a few friends and I stumbled towards Rancho Relaxo without knowing what was in store.
As it turns out, an Oshawa-born bluegrass/punk band called The Stables were playing. And play they did…
Often exchanging instruments and vocal duties, the band is a three-piece made up of guitar/banjo, "bass" (a hockey stick with a string), and drums (a snare, bongos, and a suitcase kick drum).
With cowboy hats and hick dancing in tow, The Stables began their set and quickly impressed me with their consistent playing, amazing attitude, and undeniable skill. Without ever listening to them before I was able to get right into this band and have a good time.
The guitar/banjo playing from each member was definitely a highlight of the show. The drums were always steady - nothing spectacular, but still good. The vocals were appropriate and skillfully performed, and the makeshift bass offered up the expected "do, dum, do, dum…etc."
The $5 cover was well worth it to see this band. According to their myspace page, they just recently finished a Canadian tour of both the west and east coasts, and now appear to be playing around Ontario. Check out myspace.com/herecomethestables to hear some songs and get more info.
Their next Toronto show is on August 22nd at the Horseshoe. If you're looking for some good music that's unique and easy to square-dance to, I'd suggest you head down there. You won't be disappointed.
A sticker on part of the "bass" pretty much encapsulated the evening with the intriguing phrase: "Rock the Farm!"
Good advice from a good band.
http://blackandwhiteaudio.com/ - http://blackandwhiteaudio.com/
Discography
The Stables self titled debut album:
1. Breakin' My Back
2. Ball and Chain
3. What's a Man Gotta Do?
4. When the Morning Comes
5. I Let You Down
6. Darkness
7. Underneath the Tree
8. I Believe in Bigfoot
9. Bound to Die
10. Move On
11. Little Better Than I Used to Be
12. Yeah
13. My Friend Charlie
14. Anytime
The Stables : Tour EP
1. I Never Knew
2. Lie to Me
3. Darkness
4. When the Morning Comes
5. I Let You Down
6. Everything I Own
Photos
Bio
About THE STABLES
Astounding three part harmonies, matchless energy and rhythms that move you to the core are a few of the reasons The Stables are so quickly becoming a widespread name. Surprisingly, their big sound comes from instruments that may have you wondering what time period your concert ticket just entered you in. A wash-tub bass accompanied by a kit with a suitcase kick-drum may look simple, but when combined with the banjo, acoustic guitar and mouth-harp, its nothing short of an explosive resonance when this trio takes this stage.
It all began around a fire, along side a small lake in south-eastern Ontario, Canada when three long time friends resolved to embark on a musical journey together. For over ten years Aaron Blind Billy Blasko, Darren Clarke and Poor Pelly were admired and respected singer-songwriters on the Durham music circuit. After a couple of attempts of amalgamating with other local talent, the trio came to recognize the magic that transpired from their shared energies coming together musically. With their creative vigor comes a comradeship that combines to deliver to their audiences a show not to be forgotten.
The Stables (a name derived many concepts) have been placed into numerous musical genres, and rightfully so; their sound encompasses all facets from folk to bluegrass to punk. The Stables are fronted by three singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalists who each have a style unto their own; thus creating the unique sound that is The Stables. As quoted by Lonely Vagabond, rousing folk-country trio, a high energy sonic hoedown, catchy, charming, the spirit of steamrolling along the backwoods of the south, in our own backyard. Its The Stables eclectic vibe, in addition to their incredible talent that has grabbed the attention of music professionals and audiences alike.
After touring coast to coast with their six song EP, The Stables took some well deserved time to record their full length self titled debut album. A jam packed CD release party in their home town of Oshawa Ontario was a perfect send off for their next West Coast tour. Another exciting chapter in the legacy of one of the most unique, talented, and hard working groups of musicians in Canada.
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