THOMAS D’ARCY, JOHN FORD (OF THE MONKS), THE ORDER OF GOOD CHEER and special guests play a tribute to the Monks tonight (Thursday, July 26) at the Horseshoe. See listing. Rating: NNNN
It’s hard to say why Canadians – Ontarians, specifically – latched onto the Monks at a time when the late-70s English band (not to be confused with the same-named 60s garage-rock act) was largely ignored elsewhere. Perhaps the idea of a punk band made up of progressive folk-rock dudes from Strawbs just didn’t rankle listeners here as much as it did in the U.S. and UK, where the still-nascent genre had more incendiary movements.
Plus, the Monks did have seriously catchy and smart songs (their biggest being Nice Legs Shame About Her Face). That’s more than evident on Bad Habits, their 1979 debut album that’s just been lovingly covered in full by local musician Thomas D’Arcy (Small Sins, the Carnations). He delivers an infectious tribute bursting with energy and fun, with help from members of Sloan, the Doughboys, New Pornographers, Cursed and Monks singer John Ford himself. Chris Murphy’s bittersweet vocals on perfect power-pop tune Love In Stereo steal the show.
Top track: Love In Stereo
