interesting that so many (now) San Franciscans who keep weblogs like Canadian music like Sloan and the Tragically Hip. Although both are fine bands with long histories, in general they are very poorly known and appreciated in the US. I wonder if I can read anything deeper into the coincidence? Probably not a good idea.
My brother, who lives in New York, told me a funny story about going to see 54:40. They were just at the tail end of a long tour – and in Canada they’ll easily fill a large hall with 2000 people or more. So they show up at a smaller place and start setting up – and their guitar techs and roadies and whatnot (not a ton of these guys, but enough) worked hard to get it all set. They’re an all-pro band. My brother was there early and overheard the bartender say, “who the fuck do these guys think they are with their entourage?” Which was pretty funny, and somewhat telling.
A huge band here (the Hip will sell out arenas and stadiums, no problem, and charge just less than Sarah McLachlan for a night) often books a 200 seat bar in many cities in the States.
