Step over to the Dub side... with Street 66

Street 66, one of my personal favorite Toronto acts has been on the scene since 2006. Crafting their own groove plated Dub-Raggae-Rock fusion, they've managed to develop a slick style that reminds me of a the Slackers, Sublime, then splatter that with a bit of hip hop here and there and tight pockets of jazz and soul.
Seeing Street 66 live is a trip. The lead vocalist and I imagine, main contributor, goes by the name of Step. A dredlocked archetype of charisma and melody, it almost seems as if he's something of a conductor guiding his rag tag band of indie misfits through the show until the final note is played. As an audience member you'll be mesmerized as Street 66 take you through tales of travel, love lost, booze binging and that sweet sweet sensemilia. I defy anyone to stand still during their set.

The album really translates their live show well. I was floored when after a show that my band, Easy Way Out, played with them, I realized they had left a stack of their albums out for anyone to just take home for free. I was on my way to buying one of these albums at full price when I found my free copy. The album, from beginning to end, is filled with consistent quality tracks that are very difficult to separate from one another. What I mean is that you can't just simply play one, you most definitely have to listen to hand full of tracks to be properly satisfied. Kinda kills the random setting on my IPod. But that is definitely a good thing.

The final note I want to make about Street 66 is about their professionalism. Finally a band that understands the importance of the show as a whole. Where the other acts on the show that night pretty much left after their set was done (and took their fans with them), Street 66 made it a point to sit through every act. Considering they we're on at 8:30, that's a fairly big commitment to supporting the event as a whole.

Having said that, Easy Way Out has begun a working relationship with Street 66 and looks forward to playing with them again and again.

You can catch Street 66 with Easy Way Out live at Clinton's Tavern Friday March 28, 2008. They'll be on at 12:00, so stick around for their set, this is an act you owe it to yourself to see.

Check out Street 66 online at www.myspace.com/street66music

Killer Toronto venues: Clinton's Tavern

In the heart of the Korean business district, in Toronto, On., stands a relatively underground haven for scenesters and Indie supporters of any genre. Clinton's Tavern, located at 693 Bloor Street West is by far one of my absolute favorite places to take the stage. A home away from home.

Easy Way Out has had both their EP release and their CD release there. It's comfortable, affordable and best of all, the sound is explosive.

Easy Way Out at their self titled EP release Nov. 2006.

If you were to walk through the front doors, you might think it was a portal to some kind of, turn of the century, chalet. A log cabin look that, I'm almost positive, has everything to do with the fact that they are Toronto's second oldest watering hole.

Clinton's front area is a magnificent dinning room, split into 2 sections and decorated with vintage booze signage. (it is a tavern after all) The menus are covered in vintage record albums, mostly tongue in cheek, like Lee Aaron, Dokken, Dio... and the like. The menu consists of your standard pub fare, peppered with popular cultural dishes from around the world. No kidding, the food is really, really good. They also have a great patio for the Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons.

Even Darth Vader and his entourage come to Clinton's Tavern.

After having a pint and a bite, you can head to the back room where cover ranges anywhere from $5-$10 depending on what the bands are charging that night. Note: the bands get to keep everything they make at the door. Once you have your stamp, you're in a big square room, capacity of 170 (but can easily fit 200), fitted with small tables, couches and mirrors on the wall. The sound booth is embedded into the back wall and doesn't interfere with the patrons' migrations throughout the night. When the bands begin, prepare to experience sound the way it was meant to be heard. (Seriously, one time I was listening to a band and I thought the song was making sweet love to my ear drums).

The head sound tech at Clinton's goes by the name of Fletch. I've met him many, many times and as far as I know, that's his only name. Fletch is legendary in Toronto, not just for the quality of sound he produced on the floor and on the stage, but because of his dedication to his craft. Trust in the sound tech is naturally imperative to coming off a show pleased with your performance and Fletch knows how to deliver. (if you play this venue and Brandon is there instead, you'll get the very same quality work, I'm actually a little suspicious that they are actually siamese twins joined at the talent).

I don't have a picture of Fletch: Sound Guy, so here's one of Fletch: Chevy Chase's character.

The bar staff is friendly, management is too and Clinton's Tavern, as a whole, is one of the most supportive venues in Toronto when it comes to Independent Music. If you're in toronto, do yourself a favour and check it out, play there or just grab a pint and watch the Leafs lose again.... oh they also host comedy and Improv there too. Check out Clinton's Tavern online.

Easy Way Out will be playing Clinton's Tavern on Friday March 28, 2008. EWO is hosting Windsor On. rock act: Evelyn Falls, Toronto Rock act: ADA and Toronto Ska/Rock act: Street 66.