MUSIC: Bubbly Buble recipe: 2 shots of happy, 1 shot of sad, 1 shot of Frank
It was the goddamned media that anointed Michael Buble “the new Frank Sinatra” – followed shortly by media pronouncements that “Buble ain’t no Sinatra!”
This is true! As far as we know, Buble has never threatened chin music on some crummy mook who fucked the deck, never called a female journalist a “ring-a-ding broad!” And not once has Michael Buble tried to interfere in the acting career of Mia Farrow. Frank had anger issues.
Not to speak ill of the dead, but you can see how people might make the connection between The Chairman and this young heartthrob from Vancouver whom they call “Buble.” Like Frank, Michael was gifted with a velvety smooth tenor; he knows well the timeless value of the Great American (and Sometimes Canadian) Songbook, has milked it to great success – and most importantly gives it the respect it deserves. Hey, so does Tony Bennett, who can draw a crowd at the Jube – while Buble gets to fill the bigger building: Rogers Place on Monday, April 15.
Unfair, you say? Short answer: No.
Buble also can’t seem to go two minutes without cracking a joke, even within songs – much like Frank and his co-called “Rat Pack” back in the day. They liked to yuk it up, too.
Yet no Rat Pack hangs with Buble. Moreover, unlike Frank, Michael writes some of his own material – including Home, Everything, and Haven’t Met You Yet, all huge hits. This in addition to his treatments of Real Book classics that wouldn’t be out of place in a typical Sinatra set.
Real life has complicated Buble’s career, softened his critics. His young son battled cancer – and beat it! Dad compared the experience to “hell,” and it has surely shaped his work. Buble’s latest album is simply called Love. The title is in fact [love emoji].
To pour cement into the shoes of the Sinatra comparison, Buble has been going strong since ought-three – gosh, has it been 16 years?! Frank started in 1946 or thereabouts and ruled more or less until he died in 1998. Buble’s got a ways to go – but at this rate it’s a good bet we’ll be writing “Who’s the Next Michael Buble?” stories 30 years from now.
Show at 8 pm. Tickets from $86.
Friday 12
Kobo Town – Calypso meets rock in a most delightful way with this Juno-winning outfit from Toronto that would be perfect for the folk fest (if they haven’t been there already). They’re touring on their latest album, Where the Galleon Sank. Fun vibes all around at the New Moon Folk Club (St. Basil’s Cultural Centre, 10819 71 Avenue). Keltie Monaghan opens the show at 7:30 pm. $25 advance, $30 at the door
Saturday 13
Satanic Surfers – A giant steaming sweaty snarling pile o’ punk bands is expected to raise the roof at the Starlite Room upon this evening, topped by the Swedish punk band whose latest album is called Back From Hell. Also on the bill are Belvedere, Drive By Punch, Wolfrik, and Bogue Brigade. 8 pm, $25 advance
Tuesday 16
Alan Parsons Live Project – When Mike Myers spoofs a musical artist, chances are it’s a good one. From Wayne’s World to Austin Powers, this man is a beacon of Canadian pop culture. His word is Gold … member! And I shall call it “The Alan Parsons Project!” Scott Evil: “The Alan Parsons Project was a progressive rock band from 1982. Why don’t you just name it Operation Wang Chung, ass?” Wrong again, Scotty! Famous for such classic prog records as Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I, Robot, the Alan Parsons Project had a good run from 1976 all the way to 1990, before breaking up. Alan formed a new band in 1993, which for legal reasons is now called the “Alan Parsons Live Project,” and has been more or less going steady with his melodious art pop ever since. Winspear Centre, 7:30 pm. SOLD OUT
0 Responses to MUSIC: Bubbly Buble recipe: 2 shots of happy, 1 shot of sad, 1 shot of Frank