[Another non-music post, but this here's my only truly public forum.] To: Dalton McGuinty, Premier, Government of Ontario CC: MPP Rosario Marchese, MP Olivia Chow, Councillor Adam Vaughan Dear Premier McGuinty, You and your government must not weasel out of your duty to the citizens of this city and this province. I am astonished, appalled, and frankly disgusted by your position on the calling of an independent public inquiry into what happened [...]
[ This has nothing to do with music, but I'm reeling and need to get this out there. ] This weekend was arguably the worst in Toronto's history. When Prime Minister Stephen Harper invited the G20 to Toronto, he essentially welcomed black bloc terrorists to come here, too. And come they did, as I saw myself in the many photos, videos, and reports from the scene. (I stayed in my apartment just north of downtown the entire weekend.) With the weekend over, but with my mind still reeling, I have a few words for the Toronto [...]
I'm taking a wee break from this blog while I concentrate on the lots of actual work I have to do. You can still find me occasionally over at Sticky Magazine . I like that project a lot, and feel I can contribute something worthwhile to it once in a while. I wish I had more time and energy, but oh well. Until later!
This was one of those rare seated shows---as in, butts-on-floor---at the Drake Hotel's basement music venue, and, my, was it ever lovely. I'd heard of and sampled Portland, OR's Horse Feathers in the past few weeks and was seriously considering hitting up the show, but the announcement that the Wilderness of Manitoba would open sealed the deal for me. The Wilderness of Manitoba ---always Scott Bouwmeester, Will Whitwham, Stefan Banjevic, and Melissa Dalton---took to the stage just after 9pm, with their drummer, Sean Lancaric. The [...]
My favourite live band has a new remix EP out this week. Who's that, you ask? Woodhands ! (D'uh.) Download the EP for free from the band's label, Paper Bag Records . Here's what you can look forward to: Track Listing: 1. Pockets ( Diamond Rings Mix) 2. Dissembler ( Mathemagic Mix) 3. Dissembler (French Husband Mix) 4. CP24 (Teen Mix) 5. Pockets ( Jeremy Glenn 's Stay Real Dub) 6. Dissembler (Dan's Piano Version) Catch Woodhands on [...]
Ontario roots rocker and piano pop crooner Brett Caswell and his band the Marquee Rose are releasing a debut album on 18 May called A New Balance . This will be Caswell's first offering since 2007's Still Waiting EP. Ahead of the release, the band is celebrating with a few Ontario shows, including 12 May's at Toronto's Supermarket. Here's a taste of the new disc: Download : " A New Balance " ( A New Balance , 2010). [...]
Ketch Harbour Wolves , crafter's of the no. 1 Canadian EP of 2008 , are celebrating the release of a new album, Anachronisms , at the Horseshoe on Saturday, 8 May. Well, sort of: The album won't be released for real until June, but you can hear the new songs and pick up an advance copy of the new disc at this show. Here's a track from their last EP, and you can head over to the band's website to download the whole thing for free (for now). [...]
This is the fifth installment of my interview series with people in and about the Toronto music scene. Previous ones featured Mitch Fillion (Southern Souls), Mike Smith (Muskox, etc.), Randal Ball (WreckingBall Entertainment), and Ben Mueller-Heaslip (What's All This Then?! podcast). Robert Gibson runs local record [...]
Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto, all for $10 or less. If I'm missing something you think I should list, or you have any comments, let me know. I star (*) shows that most interest me. Like this list? Join my Facebook group or subscribe to this blog. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads. You can get lots of other suggestions [...]
Born Ruffians will release a digital-only single on 4 May. It's called What to Say , and the B-side is the song "Plinky Plonky." On 1 June, their second full-length will come out. It's called Say It , and I, for one, am highly anticipating it! Here's the video for the first single, directed by Jared Raab with help from computer programmer and artist Rob Bairos: Go see Born Ruffians all over North America in June. I'm aiming to be at their tour kickoff on [...]
Monday night I had the privilege of going to see t he Sadies perform a short but blistering set at the intimate Rivoli for an invite-only audience. The Sadies are, I think it's fair to say, Toronto music legends. Their new album, Darker Circles , is out on 18 May. You can listen to it over at Outside Music. The band---headed by brothers Dallas and Travis Good, with bassist Sean Dean and drummer Mike Belistky---knows how to provide a stand-out live performance complete with impressive musical tricks. Catch them at Lee's Palace on 22 May. [...]
Thanks for Matthew McAndrew for this lovely video. Matthew's review, photos, and another video from the recent Daniel, Fred and Julie show are up on blogTO . Great Lake Swimmers have a new video: The Ghost is Dancing perform "Battles On" during their Third Floor Session , a project of Ryerson University students. You can also download the entire live session for free. Dan Mangan . [...]
Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto, all for $10 or less. If I'm missing something you think I should list, or you have any comments, let me know. I star (*) shows that most interest me. Like this list? Join my Facebook group or subscribe to this blog. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads. You can get lots of other suggestions at Stillepost , the weeklies, and venue websites, etc. [...]
Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto, all for $10 or less. If I'm missing something you think I should list, or you have any comments, let me know. I star (*) shows that most interest me. Like this list? Join my Facebook group or subscribe to this blog. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads. You can get lots of other suggestions at Stillepost , the weeklies, and venue websites, etc. [...]
Arietta have a new video for "Old Habits Die Young." The guys are hitting up a bunch of different cities over the next few months. If you're into mathy rock with a pop heart, you might dig them. Energetic live shows! Earlier this year Gentleman Reg released a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Wild Heart" on a digital-only EP ( Heavy Head ). And now there's a video, shot and directed by Colin Medley and Jared Sales. The video is near-copy of the Nicks' clip that was the inspired. More details [...]
It's been a little while since I've put up one of these giveaways, but thankfully the Dress Whites have given me the chance to change that! The Dress Whites have been on hiatus since the fall, and they've taken the time to write and record new material. The band's got a couple recent discs under their belt: 2008's album My God, The Shame , and last year's The No Fun EP. They've got a show coming up at the Piston a very new venue in the former [...]
The talented, wicked-smart, beautiful, and otherwise awesome Megan Hamilton , who last fall relocated to Kingston, Ontario, has a central/western Canada tour coming up next month. It starts in Ontario and then she and her band will make there way out to Vancouver and back in a van. I wish them well! Go see them if you can. They are in Toronto on 14 May at the Holy Oak, host to many charming lower-key (but still rocking) shows. Download : Megan Hamilton & the Volunteer Canola , " [...]
My favourite live act, Woodhands , have a brilliant new video! I'm so pleased. It features the gorgeous and charming Maylee Todd in a love triangle with band members Paul Banwatt and Dan Werb. Maylee sings a duet with Dan on this track. Just awesome. I just came across this neat like video documentary of the We Are Busy Bodies show during CMW that featured Japanther , Doldrums , Rich Aucoin , Quiet Hooves , and Boys Who Say No . Looked like a [...]
Event promoter Alex from Primary Colors organized a memorable night Tuesday, 30 March. Bringing in Brooklyn bands These Are Powers and Javelin , with support from Toronto's Doldrums ---a new project feat. Airick Woodhead ( Spiral Beach ), Alex Laurence ( the Miles ), Chris Lyons ( Heartbeat Hotel ), and Andy Smith ( Heartbeat Hotel ). But that wasn't all; this wasn't just a regular show. Put on in an unknown venue that included handmade decorations, a mood room, projections, and one bizarre performance art piece, the event was as much show as [...]
Welcome to my weekly roundup of inexpensive indie(ish) musical happenings in downtown Toronto, all for $10 or less. If I'm missing something you think I should list, or you have any comments, let me know. I star (*) shows that most interest me. Like this list? Join my Facebook group or subscribe to this blog. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads. You can get lots of other [...]
Narratives
Download: James Blake Live Album (Unofficial)
My Funny Valentines
Lana Del Rey - Without You (Kill Paris Remix) [Dubstep]
The Kills on Letterman (Video)
