I Believe in the Good of Life

Last night was Wavelength 500, the final installment of the weekly Sunday night concert series that first appeared 10 years ago. Back then, its co-founder, Jonathan, and I shared office space at one of Toronto's alt weeklies, so I heard a lot about the series' nasence and I like to think my enthusiasm for bands like The Hidden Cameras and Royal City encouraged those bands to be booked. Hell, even if I'm the only one who thinks that, I stand by it.

It's not an understatement to say that Wavelength coaxed significant change in this city's music scene. It was an event; something that brought people out, even on a Sunday night. The PWYC policy meant that you could take a gamble on an unheard of band without it costing the price of a week's worth of groceries.

An early and avid supporter, I admit that I haven't been much in recent years. There was a time, about five years back, when there was a significant shift in the vibe. Yes, it was still enthusiastic about music, but some of the old faces fell away and to be completely honest, I didn't feel like hanging out with the kids. This isn't a negative thing; it was just time for someone new to take my spot at stage left.

So, last night was the grand finale. For me, the biggest draw -- apart from bidding a fond farewell to this legendary Toronto event -- was the reunion of the band Neck. Neck began as a three-piece - Dave Rodgers, Paul Boddum and Andrew McCallister - and grew to add the aforementioned Jonny "Dovercourt" Bunce and become Christiana. They were the band I took Brad to see the first night he visited me. They played Club Shanghai on a bill that also included the late, lamented Pecola. Maybe ironically, Brad and I celebrated our 11th anniversary on Saturday night. It was a sweet little walk down memory lane. Adding to the sweetness is that I think Neck's songs "Ladybug" and "Daydreaming" are two excellent examples of under-two-minute pop songs. Concise, punchy and full of charm.

There was a lot of happiness in the room last night, which perhaps escalated when Owen Pallet came out for a not-so-surprise set. He gets better all the time and even at a less formal event like last night, his intensity is awe-inspiring.

And when I didn't think anything could cap the night - which also included old shoegaze favourites Mean Red Spiders, Barcelona Pavilion (who I wasn't in love with when they were together a few years ago, but totally loved them last night), Kids on TV and Thomas - better than Owen, he announced (OK, truth be told, I'd been informed earlier) that most of the original Hidden Cameras (plus some later members and friends) would be singing a song.

The song was "I Believe in the Good of Life" and seeing Maggie, Owen, Steve, Magale, Dave, Mathias and Joel, along with Reg and Lex, singing and smiling and jumping around was absolutely the greatest ending any night or music series could've had. I sort of lost my mind with joy and a bit of nostalgia for days gone by. So many friends were there - Steve, Colin, Michael and Helen, all those band folks, Ryan, Katie M, Kat... I'm sure there were more - and from various eras of my life. Realizing I've known Joel for almost 20 years is sort of mind-blowing; knowing that a friend wrote a song as perfect as "Good of Life" makes me realize just how great my life is.

Thank you.