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blog post Wrath of Khanna: The Breakfast Club with Ben Gunning

posted by Vish Khanna on Jan 28, 2010

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Good morning everybody! How's it going? My Breakfast Club guest today is Toronto-based musician Ben Gunning.

Ben used to play in a Montreal band called Local Rabbits, where he shared singing and songwriting duties with Peter Elkas. I loved the Local Rabbits. Loved them. In their mid-90s heyday, the Rabbits were an explosive, quirky rock 'n' roll outfit on Sloan's murderecords and I saw them play live a lot. Actually, if you witnessed a show by Neko Case & Her Boyfriends back in the day, you might've even seen the Local Rabbits (or the Sadies) serving as her backing band.

When the Local Rabbits called it a day, both Pete and Ben went solo but they took really different paths. Ben in particular has written really complex, observant pop songs that incorporate elements of jazz, hip-hop, and classic rock. He's got a new album out called Mal de Mer on zunior.com and he's playing a big CD release show at the Rivoli in Toronto this Friday night to celebrate it.

Ben initially suggested we meet at Chez Cora but then I told him that's where this show took place last week. Now, he's telling me to meet him at the Patrician Grill instead. I've never heard of this place but I do know that it's close to the corner of King and Sherbourne. So yeah, I gotta run so I'm not late! You, you just enjoy the show...

Have you heard much about Ben Gunning or his former band, Local Rabbits? I really love Mal de Mer so I hope you check it out. Ever hear of the Patrician Grill? What are you having for breakfast today?

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posted by Vish Khanna on Jan 28, 2010

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#1 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

A few things

First of all good morning Vish. No I haven't heard much about Ben Guinning, but I have a feeling I am going to learn more about him today! Very exciting!

Of course I have heard of the Patrician Grill, what am I a ignorant SOB?! The Patrician Grill of course a grill in ancient Rome used only by the patrician class. I believe they grilled a lot of lamb.

My breakfast this morning will most likely consist of some yogurt and granola, maybe some toast, and coffee.

Also, I started a Facebook fan club for this show last week if you haven't joined already you can! Also, feel free to start some discussions about Vish's weekly outings.

#2 posted by
suckamc
on Jan 28, 2010

I am in the same boat is MikeV (literally), I haven't heard much of Ben Gunning, so I shall listen closely.

Can anyone guess what I'm having for breakfast?

Haha your server is quite the character!

#3 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

Terry is a bit pushy! He's not gonna put up with your shenanigans.

#4 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Oh, the fanclub was your idea?!

I thought it was my mom.

#5 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Purple bagel?

Yes, Terry's something else...

#6 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

We're on a boat? We're we going?

#7 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

You're literally in the same boat? Where are you guys?

I hope you don't get mal de mer!

#8 posted by
suckamc
on Jan 28, 2010

We're headed to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, before the gulf freezes over!

#9 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

It's harsh on the open seas! So bad that I can no longer use correct grammar. Where are and we're are the same thing now to me. But at least I got a treasure chest full of doubloons.

#10 posted by
daa1982
on Jan 28, 2010

If things get bad on the boat, you can always resort to petty cannibalism. A finger here, a toe there, ya know, just to get by.

Also, Mr. Gunning looks quite dapper I have to say.

#11 posted by
deeneecee
on Jan 28, 2010

Hey Vish, I can't find any info on that Sadies show u mentioned for Feb. 5th, do u know where I can get tix? Thx!

#12 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

hi,

here you go:

http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/1560/

#13 posted by
deeneecee
on Jan 28, 2010

Thanks! Have a great day!

#14 posted by
tb3
on Jan 28, 2010

But, Ben's hair… He is rocking a pretty serious (and/or righteous) Peewee Colbert.

#15 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

I'm not comfortable with the idea of toast being not cool anymore. Toast can be delicious.

#16 posted by
daa1982
on Jan 28, 2010

I was starting to feel a little tired of toast...but then I discovered STRAWBERRY MARMALADE!!! Hot diggity.

#17 posted by
2902blues
on Jan 28, 2010

Hey Vish, with the recent Thrush Hermit reunion tour happening, can you ask Ben if there is any likelihood of a Local Rabbits reunion tour one day?

#18 posted by
stew72
on Jan 28, 2010

Weird - I live in corktown (King E and River) - just walked right by the Patrician on my way to work, but I had my headphones on and shoulders hunched against the wind. Given there is usually about 3 people there you;d think i would have noticed a radio show. Suggest you head across the street to betty's for a pint when you're done.

#19 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

They did get back together for that Rheostatics tribute album. Did you hear that?

#20 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Thanks for listening everyone!

The podcast will be available soon.

@stew72 Thanks for the tip about Betty's. I don't drink at all but if I did, would I really wanna have a beer right after breakfast? Is that what drinking people do?

#21 posted by
MikeV
on Jan 28, 2010

No....unless you are Dean Martin, in which case you probably had a drink for breakfast anyways.

#22 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Right, exactly. That sounds like something I'd do after an all-night comedy roast...

#23 posted by
stew72
on Jan 28, 2010

Well, I would have had a ceasar at breakfast, then contemplated my next move, but in short, yes, that's what drinking people do. Of course, us drinking people tend to have breakfast more like 11, so transitioning straight into cocktails makes a lot more sense.

#24 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Ah, okay, I see. I didn't realize that. Thanks for clarifying.

You're okay with this drinking thing right? It's not a problem or anything?...

#25 posted by
Jenelle
on Jan 28, 2010

I'm sorry I've already missed this show! Yay for podcasts. I loved the Local Rabbits. I saw them open for Sloan and I was hooked. They were one of my starter bands that made me realize that there was more out there than what was on the radio.

#26 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Hooray! I'm glad you love the Local Rabbits. One of my all-time favourite bands!

#27 posted by
stew72
on Jan 28, 2010

I don't believe there are dinking or drug problems - just financial problems. The 2 work in a fine balance. The need to avoid financial problems (thus avoiding the other problems) means I am currently in my office working (well, mostly typing on the blog, but you get my drift). No bottle in the drawer so I think I'm OK... for now.

#28 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Okay, good to know. You take care of yourself there buddy...

#29 posted by
drahmer
on Jan 28, 2010

There's a Local Rabbits tribute album coming later this year from the fine folks at Gooseberry Records.

#30 posted by
Elena_
on Jan 28, 2010

I've been to a few B.A. Johnston shows in Peterborough and yes they are very entertaining (and self-deprecating). Robot World, however, is far from his best song. Deep Fryer in my Bedroom is a much better example of his musical prowess.

#31 posted by
Vish Khanna
on Jan 28, 2010

Huh?

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