Upon arrival at the Ideal Lovers’ rehearsal space, this journalist was immediately plied with payola pizza. Since it was from the suspiciously cheap Pizza du Parc, the effect was entirely neutral. After the Mile End’s urban cowboy Li’l Andy settled into a couch, he explained the impetus for joining up with the Lovers to recreate Neil Young’s legendary 1975 album, Tonight’s the Night.

"Now when I listen to it, after having made a few albums, you realize what a crazy record it is," says Andy. "There are so many mistakes, so many things that would be considered off in the overproduced days of the ’70s."

From behind a pizza box, guitarist Joe Grass laughs, saying, "There are a couple choice mistakes that we recreate faithfully every time."

After explaining some of the intricacies found in the album’s live, imperfect sound (the group crack several jokes about "vibes" and "finding the buzz"), Andy shares an important detail.

"I’ve realized that part of what I react to in the album is the raunchiness."

Entirely apt, considering that this collaboration (Ideal Andy? Li’l Lovers?) is being housed in long-time St-Laurent St. porntorium Cinéma L’Amour. A venue, like the record, drenched in a dark and sleazy history.

Ideal Lovers, one of Montreal’s most talented and least spotlight-seeking groups, are also backing up David Macleod for his Pop showcase, as they did on his new album.

A beer and whisky crowd, I ask the room if an alcohol theme for the evening has been decided on.

"Well, Tonight’s the Night itself was made on tequila… and blow, probably," says Andy. "I think we’ll skip on the blow part, but…"

"Tequila and burgers," adds guitarist Mike O’Brien. "That’s the theme."

Li’l Andy & Ideal Lovers
w/ Angela Desveaux
At Cinéma L’Amour (4015 St-Laurent), Oct. 2, midnight