Narratives

Ticket / CD Giveaway: Racoon Wedding, Schomberg Fair, Black Hat Brigade @ The Garrison, 28 Nov.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:42:00 +0000

Let me get right to the heart of the matter: this is your chance to get your hands on 4 CDs and 2 tickets to one heck of a local music showcase, all for the price of $0. Interested? Read on.

On 28 November the Garrison plays host to four local(ish) bands. Two Narratives favourites, Black Hat Brigade and the Schomberg Fair, kick things off, followed by Brantford's the Racoon Wedding---who will be celebrating their CD release, and ending up with Germans. The whole thing will cost you $7 at the door (or nothing, if you win tickets from me). Black Hat Brigade haven't played in a little bit, and I'm itching to see them perform in this venue. Should make for a good combination. The Schomberg Fair have been touring all month, letting people all over Canada know about their awesome "speed gospel" sound, and getting the word out about their great new disc, Gospel. (Exclaim was recently suitably impressed.) I've never seen the Racoon Wedding, and Germans---well, I'll be glad to see them perform in a proper venue where they won't have massive technical troubles.

Here's a taste of what you'll be in for.

Download: Black Hat Brigade, "Zombie City Shake" (Fathers, 2009).
Download: The Schomberg Fair, "Trouble Will Soon Be Over" (Gospel, 2009).
Download: The Racoon Wedding, "Basement or the Attic" (Gather Gather Bones Rattle Rattle Truth, 2009).
Download: Germans, "I Am the Teacher" (Cape Fear, 2006).

Courtesy Zygiella, Two Way Monologues, and the bands, I've got a pair of tickets to the show to give away to one of you. In addition, this is a mega prizepack, and includes a copy of the new Schomberg Fair full-length, the Racoon Wedding disc, and two Black Hat Brigade EPs. For a chance to win, send me an email (historyjenATgmailDOTcom) by 11:59pm on Thursday, 26 November. Please put "MEGA prizepack" in the subject line, and your full name in the body. 19+ only, of course.

Fine Print: Germans, The Racoon Wedding (CD release), The Schomberg Fair, and Black Hat Brigade @ The Garrison, Saturday, 28 November, 9pm, $7.

P.S. Germans' "I Am the Teacher" video is v. cute.

Indie Music 103 (19-25 Nov 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:14:00 +0000

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 to get my weekly Toronto indie music listings. Subscribe to my podcast (or download the episodes) here, or through iTunes. The latest ones are here. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads.

Since last Thursday I've seen the Diableros, Brian Borcherdt, Hooded Fang, the Wooden Sky, the Love Machine, Amos the Transparent, and the Rural Alberta Advantage. Not a bad outing, if I do say so myself. I also had one free beer, one free shot, one free CD. And I bought 2 band t-shirts. So there you go.

There are a few free in-store performances this week. My plans include the sold out RAA show on Friday, Two Hours Traffic on Saturday (LOVE), and Parlovr at Wavelength on Sunday. Lots more great options, of course.

The 416 Toronto Creative Improvisers Festival is on at the Tranzac this weekend. Ladyfest Toronto and International Pop Overthrow get started next week.

THURSDAY (19 nov)

Koushik (live, in-store) @ Sonic Boom, 7:30pm, free. All ages.

Crookedhook and Permanent Bastards @ Arbor Room, Hart House (U of T), 8pm, free.

Patrick Brealey w/ The Crooked Brothers @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, pwyc?

Inyrdisk Showcase feat. Ghostlight, Huelepega Sound System, Cave Dudes, and Glass Tomb, w/ DJ Craig Dunsmuir @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Endcast and The Womb @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5. "Night of Terror- bands in the front horror movies in the back- 'METAL "CHICK" NIGHT' girls in metal shirts get in for FREE."

* The Strumbellas w/ The Sure Things @ C'est What, 9pm, $6. (Or come w/ a friend, and cover is $3 each.)

Groovetastic Entertertainment presents Intensive Groove feat. Other People's Friends, Alphabot, Intensive Care (CD release), Edgewater Hotel, and Broken Telephone @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $7.

Download: Intensive Care, "Tales Of Sarah Jane, The Golden Horse" (Fairytales From The Island, 2009).

* Entire Cities (vinyl release), Dr. Ew (Drew from the Bicycles), and Tonka & Puma (members of Hooded Fang) @ The Garrison, 9pm, $?

Download: Entire Cities, "Talkers" (Deep River, 2008).

* Quest For Fire, Jeff The Brotherhood, Sports (members of Ladyhawk), and Songs From A Room @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $8.

Jason Bajada w/ MJ Cyr @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $8.

FRIDAY (20 nov)

Katie Stelmanis @ Toronto Public Library (Bloor/Gladstone Branch), 8pm, free.

You Say Party! We Say Die! (acoustic, in-store) @ Criminal Records, 8pm, free. All ages. Later that night, YSP!WSD! are playing at the Phoenix w/ Think About Life and Little Girls.

Download: You Say Party! We Say Die!, "Laura Palmer's Prom" (XXXX, 2009).

Steve Gleason w/ Anthony D'Amato (Cdn debut) @ Free Times Cafe, 9pmpm, pwyc.

Download: Anthony D'Amato, "Hank Williams Tune" (Shades of the Prison House, 2009).

wordPEOPLE w/ Christian Bridges, hosted by Mark Harris @ Vapor Central, 10:30 (start time).

Sweatshop Hop Residency feat. Sweatshop Hop w/ Scott Bouwmeester (from Wilderness of Manitoba), Inessa & Alanna (comedy), and John & Jenna @ Concord Cafe, 10pm.

Flashlight Radio @ The Dakota Tavern, 8pm (start time), $5.

Street Fever, The Zolas, and Hotel Royal @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8pm, $5.

The Royal Crowns @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $5.

Cut Throat Kids, Killing for Friday, This is an Empire, w/ DJ Vania @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

The Cosmic Eyes w/ Witchways West and Ida Maidstone (from The O Darling) @ Smiling Buddha, 9pm, $5.

Farewell Cool Reason, This Is An Empire, Currents, and You Yourselves @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

The Black Rainbows, The Protozoans, and Picturesound @ The Silver Dollar Room, 10:30pm, $5.

Broadcast Zero, The Daily Times, Permanent Bastards, and Sick Error @ Hard Luck (812 Dundas St. W.), 8pm, $5. All ages.

Hostage Life (final show), City Sweethearts (7" release), and The Little Millionaires @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

Survival Club (new party) w/ The Magic (live), and DJs Mikey Apples, DMT, DJ LP (of Corpusse), visuals by Liquid Hands @ Wrongbar, 10pm, $5 (before midnight). The Magic is awesome.

TWM presents Ginger & Irene, Tin Star Orphans (ex-Yonder), and Slides @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Download: Tin Star Orphans, "Slack-Jaw" (Yonder, 2009).

Native (Indiana), Whiskey Priest (final show), Creeper, The Love & Terror Cult, and Windows 95 @ Siesta Nouveaux (15 Lower Sherbourne), 8pm, $5-$10. All ages.

Alright Alright, Cartoons @ Rearview Mirror, 9pm, $tba.

* The Framework, The Paint Movement, The Jing Bang Show, and Young Empires @ El Mocambo, 9pm, $10.

* By Divine Right Record Release / Hand Drawn Dracula Anniversary Party feat. By Divine Right, The Tight Ship (double CD Release), and The Darlings @ The Garrison, 9pm, $tba.

SATURDAY (21 nov)

* Lullabye Arkestra (in-store) @ Sonic Boom, 7pm, free. All ages. "We kindly suggest you bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank and a $2 donation to get one of our kickass posters!!! All proceeds go to the Friends for Life Bike Rally."

Chris Cogburn, Bonnie Jones, Liz Tonne, and guests @ Heartbeat (960 Queen St. W.), 8pm, pwyc.

Lovely Picnic 002 feat. Likewise Vultures, Tonka & Puma,a nd Orang Pendek @ The White House (377 Landsdowne Ave.), 8pm, $5/pwyc. "Lovely Picnic is a bi-monthly concert series focused on creating an inclusive and accessible environment for new bands, musicians and artists. Less performance and more dialogue; show and tell with a friendly, receptive audience. For LP 002 we'll be adding free food (and maybe some hot beverages) into the mix. Also, some of the bands will be playing in the garage outside the house -- so come hungry and dress in layers!"

Taisuke, We're For Barton, Joanna, Scrap Gold, The Donefors, and Ryan Karam @ Duffy's Tavern, 9pm, pwyc.

* The Wilderness of Manitoba w/ VIVIV (Ken Reaume) @ Holy Oak Cafe, 9pm, pwyc.

Download: The Wilderness of Manitoba, "Evening" (Hymns of Love and Spirits, 2009).

The Silt @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Alistair Christl & Big Ass Cracker @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $5?

Ash Lee Blade (CD release) @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

The Big Go-Go!Go! Show! Featuring: The Boojies, Luau Or Die, and The Sisters of Mersey @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, $5.

Earthroots Fundraiser show feat. Mantler (feat. members of Steamboat), Emilie Mover, and DJ Scott Cudmore (Bring it on Home) @ The Magpie Tavern, 9pm, $5.

* TMW 53 feat. Pick A Piper, Corduroy, and Ace Kinkaid @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Peter James Project and Ashley @ Neu+ral, 9pm, $7.

* Bonjay (live, EP release), Poirier, and Valeo @ Teranga, 9pm, $8.

* Two Hours Traffic, Sports: The Band, and The Darcys @ The Garrison, 9pm, $10 (adv, $12 door). All ages.

The Hots (final show) @ The Mod Club, 11pm (set time), $10. But email contact@thehotsmusic.ca to get on the guestlist and get in for free... as long as you're there before by the time the band starts.

Sheena Grobb w/ Allison Lickley, Zoe Sky Jordan, and Colleen Dauncey @ C'est What, 9pm, $10.

* Bit Your Tongue 2 feat. Lucky Dragons, Corpusse, Nif D, Feuermusik, Castlemusic @ The Centre Of Gravity, 1300 Gerrard E, 9pm, $10 (adv. tix only).

SUNDAY (22 nov)

Magnolia w/ Carlie Howell Avec Band @ C'est What, 8pm, free.

* Wavelength 490 feat. Parlovr, Provincial Parks, and Young Mother (debut), hosted by Dic Pickles, and w/ visuals by General Chaos @ The Garrison, 9pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested).

Download: Parlovr, "Pen to the Paper" (Parlovr, 2009).

Gather Round feat. Hamilton Trading Co @ The Boat, 9pm, pwyc.

Young Doctors in Love, All My Hocus Pocus, Jennifer LFO, Gay, and Tommy and the Tall Girls @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

MONDAY (23 nov)

Elvis Mondays feat. Whale Tooth, Chinawoman, Nadia, The Stormalongs, Steve Prickett, and The People of Canada @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 9pm, free.

TUESDAY (24 nov)

Nu Music Nite feat. Deadly Hopefuls, Future History, Blackie Jackett Jr., and The Royal Ascots @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

The Pink & Black Attack presents The Class Assassins and Detroit @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

Donlands & Mortimer w/ Yuka @ C'est What, 9pm, $5.

WEDNESDAY (25 nov)

* Malajube (in-store) @ Sonic Boom, 7pm, free. All ages. "We kindly suggest you bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank and a $2 donation to get one of our kickass posters!!! All proceeds go to the Friends for Life Bike Rally."

Download: Malajube, "Porte disparu" (Labyrinthes, 2009).

Maylee Todd w/ Andrew Scott and guests @ The Red Light (1185 Dundas St. W.), 10pm.

Ladyfest Toronto 2009 Launch Party hosted by Elisha Lim, feat. music by Nolan Natasha, Airheart, Sarah Mangle, plus spoken word, films, and burlesque @ The Gladstone Hotel, 7pm, free. "We will be accepting donations of non-perishables for the food bank at Ernestine's Women's Shelter at all Ladyfest Events this year."

* Ian Blurton w/ Huron @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $7.

PWYC Weds feat. the Thundermonks, A.M., and Field Assembly @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc.

Old World Vulture, Elk @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Daniel Greer, Thelonious Bajcar, Amnesiac Jack, and Matt Noris @ The Rearview Mirror, 9pm, $5.

Worldly Savages, Extinct or Alive, The Blind Cats, and Ola Roks @ The Poor Alex (772A Dundas St. W.), 9pm, $7.

International Pop Overthrow feat. Cut Throat Kids (8pm), Alright Alright (8:30pm), Terribly Empty Pockets (9pm), Calling Wendy (9:30pm), Jane’s Party (10pm), Ramona (10:30pm), and See Spot Run (11pm) @ The Rivoli, 7pm, $10.

Review: Amos the Transparent, The Love Machine @ Rancho Relaxo.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

I was working steadily on Saturday night, and unsure whether I should even leave the house for some fun, but about 11:30pm I decided it was time for a break. I was at Rancho Relaxo by midnight, in time to catch the final two bands on the bill that night: Ottawa's the Love Machine and Amos the Transparent, also from the nation's capital.

The Love Machine played a full, happy set of exuberant, catchy songs. Mostly new ones, they said. I was impressed, and the crowd certainly was, too. Although I'd never seen the band before and hadn't a clue what to expect, I was definitely late to the party. Audience members were singing along to some songs, knew the right hand-claps, and etc. Their music wasn't the most cutting edge pop I've ever heard, but their energy and enthusiasm made it all the better. Great four-part harmonies and a little synth action didn't help either. Good stuff.

The last song was the show-stopper. It ended "This is the way that we scream our hearts out." It's not on the disc I got afterward (their 2007 EP, If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird), and a little internet searching revealed that's it's on their first (self-titled) EP, put out in 2005. I believe the band is currently putting together another album. Something to keep an ear out for.

It'd been several months since I last saw Amos, one of my favourite bands of 2008 that's only gotten stronger since then. By all rights they should be playing much larger venues---and they sometimes do---so I knew I was in for a treat. The first time I saw this band was at Rancho, they are always so much fun in that long, narrow room. Plus, a look at their new website earlier that day informed me that the band had new, red t-shirts! (Embarrassing admission: One time I went to Rancho to see Amos play wearing one of their band t-shirts.)

Things were running really late at Rancho, and if I'd been relying on the subway, I would have had to miss their set, seeing as it started at about quarter after 1am. (Thank you, bicycle.) The band had noticed the late start, too, taking the opportunity to drink perhaps a little more than usual in advance of playing. Lead-man Jonathan Chandler noted as much to us, paraphrasing local blogger Bob Battams. But, so much the better, I say! The band played rousing versions of songs off their albums, 2007's wonderful Everything I've Forgotten to Forget and the 2009 EP, My, What Big Teeth You Have . . . . (I was planning on stealing the set list after the show, but I got distracted [see below]). One of things that sets this band apart from others is that each time they perform, their songs sound just a little different. The changed instrumentation is on purpose, and helps keep things interesting. Although the crowd had thinned a little, there was still a good contingent out, dancing and singing along. The band expects their audiences to know the words to their songs when they play Toronto, and we didn't let them down.

Soon enough, Two Way Monologues' promoter Dan Wolovick and his wife, Terri Coles, were handing out shots of Jägermeister to the band members. But, somehow, there was one left over, and since I was right in front of him, Chandler told me to drink up. (That's him in white; also pictured is Daniel Hay.) Oh boy. So then the set got a little more fun and a bit more sloppy and I had to concentrate more on not losing my balance. Ahem. There were attempts at contests to give away EPs, a rendition (feat. audience participation) of "happy birthday" for Chandler's wife, much hooting and hollering and etc.

I had a blast. I bought a red t-shit---$10!---and tried to sober up a little before heading home. Note: One shot of Jager is apparently one too many.

Download: The Love Machine, "Green Tea and Honey" (If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird, 2007).
Download: The Love Machine, "We Are Squirrels and This Is Nuts (The Family Song)" (The Love Machine, 2005).
Download: Amos the Transparent, "Lemons, aka BigFishLittlePond" (My, What Big Teeth You Have..., 2009).
Download: Amos the Transparent, "Title Track" (Everything I've Forgotten to Forget, 2007).

Amos the Transparent are playing at Ottawa's Capital Music Hall on 27 November, competing for a $250,000 grand prize (the Big Money Shot). They've already won a tidy $25,000, and I, for one, would LOVE for them to take home the "big money." If you're in Ottawa that night, go see them!

Photo credit: Terri Coles.

Indie Music Filter presents Hand Drawn Dracula mixtape!

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Toronto music blogger Chris Budd sent over this message:

Just wanted to send you tip about something we recently put together on Indie Music Filter. We made a mixtape to showcase the artists on this new(er) Toronto-based record label called Hand Drawn Dracula (founded by visual artist James Mejia and Holy Fuck's Brian Borcherdt). Our blog post is here and the site where people can stream individual tracks and download this free mixtape is here.

If this is something you want to tell your readers about, that would be great.

Here's the tracklist:
1) "I Love A Girl" by By Divine Right
2) "While I Was Asleep" by Brian Borcherdt
3) "Disco Guitars (unmastered)" by Bishop Morocco
4) "Goodbye Before Hello" by Julie Fader
5) "Holy Radar" (Off The International Radar vs Holy Fuck) by Off The International Radar
6) "Not A Goodbye" by Contrived

Go download it now for free! Pass it along!

Review: The Wooden Sky, Hooded Fang, Brian Borcherdt / Field of Fur @ Lee's Palace.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:55:00 +0000

The Wooden Sky sold out Lee's Palace on Friday night!

Although I've seen them in much smaller (but always full) rooms, I shouldn't have been surprised. These guys have been at it a long time---the better part of a decade---and they've been getting good press in recent months. Their 2006 album, When Lost At Sea, was (and still is) fantastic, and their new If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone solidifies their place as one of the country's top folk-rock bands. The word has clearly gotten out.

The night started with Brian Borcherdt, of Holy Fuck fame, whose solo output---quiet, contemplative, almost fragile---is rather different from the dance tracks put out by that other band. He was accompanied for a few songs by the talented (and very busy) Julie Fader, and then she left the stage and a drummer came on. The last few songs were from the two men's new project, Field of Fur, which had debuted the week before at the Boat. Nothing made a particular impression on me, though I'm keen to see Brian perform his solo work in a less cavernous venue.

Next up, Hooded Fang. This is a great band who came out of nowhere in 2008 to blow away the local indie pop scene. Its members have since entrenched themselves in the arts community here in Toronto, and . . . but that's not relevant to their set. What is relevant is that the 7-piece performed songs we know and love and some new ones, to be released sometime in 2010. And they sounded great, and the band seemed to be having an appropriate amount of fun up there. A small but enthusiastic bunch of us were dancing at the front, and I can only imagine that many of the more restrained audience members were happy they'd come out to see them.

And then, the headliners. By now the venue had really filled up, and it was getting pretty hot up at the front. (I admit to having a part in moving a some of the truly awesome set decorations so that, squished up against the very high stage as I was, I could see the band. I wasn't alone in this.) The four main players---Gavin Gardiner (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Wyatt (bass, vocals), Simon Walker (guitar, keyboard, vocals), and Andrew Kekewich (percussion)---were joined by violinists Edward Huizinga and Mika Posen, as well as Jonas Bonnetta (guitar, vocals) and Sylvie Smith (vocals) for a couple songs. The extra players really added a nice touch, especially the violin parts.

Including a three-song encore, the band played for over an hour. The Wooden Sky can move from serious rocking-out to a more pensive attitude like few bands I know, and this comes out live even more than on their recordings. We were treated to most of the songs on the new album as well as a smattering from When Lost At Sea. Not every tune is a smash-hit, to my mind, but there were no throw-away tracks. I really appreciated the rockier songs on Friday night; they really showcase the strength of Gavin's voice. (blogTO has the full set-list at the end of their review.)

It's always nice to see good bands start to get the attention they deserve, and to have them fulfill their promise. Friday night's set was pretty awesome. I can't wait to see the Wooden Sky again . . . though I might not like that I'll have to put up with a larger venue and hundreds more people to do so.

Download: The Wooden Sky, "Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)" (If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, 2009).
Download: The Wooden Sky, "Oslo" (If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, 2009).
Download: The Wooden Sky, "North Dakota" (When Lost At Sea, 2006).
Download: Hooded Fang, "Fall Leaves" (Hooded Fang, 2008).
Download: Brian Borcherdt, "Scout Leader" (Coyotes, 2008).

Photo credit: Frank Yang. He's got really beautiful shots of all the performers.

Indie Music 102 (12-18 Nov 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:13:00 +0000

Like this list? Join my Facebook group to get my weekly Toronto indie music listings. Subscribe to my podcast (or download the episodes) here, or through iTunes. The latest ones are here. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads.

Last weekend I saw Woodhands and Junior Boys twice---see my review here. I've been enjoying the new Gravity Wave songs. This weekend I'm going to see the Wooden Sky (at Lee's Palace, details here) and maybe Amos the Transparent. I'm told Wavelength this Sunday is the best lineup of the month. Interesting... and I've never even heard of the bands on the bill. The Rural Alberta Advantage play an intimate in-store at Soundscapes on Tuesday, and then later that evening head to the Horseshoe for free performances by Arts & Crafts bands Zeus, Still Life Still, and the Most Serene Republic. Details about these and lots more great shows below.

THURSDAY (12 nov)

99 Lives - A Chiptune Dance Party feat. PDF Format, jefftheworld, and J Arthur Keenes @ The Ossington, 9pm, free.

Thursday Night Confidential feat. Airheart, Hibou, and Girl + the Machine @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 10pm, free.

Sarah Greene Pickup Band w/ Gord Light @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

I Have Eaten the City, Ghost Eye, and Rob Clutton @ Rearview Mirror, 9pm, $5/pwyc. Creative improvisations.

Snowblower and guests @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* No Shame presents New Voices Night feat. Steve McKay, Catriona Sturton & the Penguins, and Abigail Lapell @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 9pm, $6. "[M]usic you didn’t know you couldn’t live without."

* Hue, The Job, My Shaky Jane (CD release), and Little Foot Long Foot @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 9pm, $6.

* Colleen & Paul (full band), Nana Grizol, Paul Linklater, and guests @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $8?

Download: Nana Grizol, "For Things That Haven't Come Yet" (Ruth, 2010).

* Zeus w/ Moby Dick (feat. Andrew Scott from Sloan) and William Delray @ The Rivoli, 8:30pm, $10.

FRIDAY (13 nov)

Yawn Temiseva, LLIONS, The Soles, Nadjiwan, Dom Deluca, and Elf TV @ Not My Dog, 9pm, pwyc.

Kate Rogers @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

* The CFL Sessions w/ Jenny Omnichord @ Tranzac (Tiki Room), 10pm, pwyc.

Carney Byranik & The Heroes, Jeremy K. Rempel, and Icarus Had Wings @ The Cameron House, 10pm, $5/pwyc.

Dead Wife, Induced Labour, Play Guitair, and Toronto Beat @ Teranga, 9pm, $5. I never heard of these bands either. More info here.

Matt Paxton and Ben Somer @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8pm, $5.

Sin Dealer, Conflicted, and Symbiolic @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Planet Creature, Invasions, and Davey Parker Radio Sound @ The Silver Dollar Room, 10:30pm, $5?

The Calrizians @ The Dakota Tavern, 10pm, $5.

* Krupke, B'mo Crazy, The Lovely Killbots, and Ex~Po @ Bread & Circus, 9pm, $5? Everyone who comes gets a Krupke slap bracelet. Seriously.

Download: The Lovely Killbots, "Little Shape" (Primrose Lane, 2008).

TWM presents The Idlers (CD release), the Outbred Inlaws, and Luau or Die @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $8.

* Right On! Media & YYZ Records present Vitaminsforyou (live band), Maylee & Pegwee Power, and DJs John Kong and Smilotron @ Supermarket, 10pm, $10.

* Primary Colors and Psst, FM present Japanther, Ninjasonik, Ear Pwr, and Life of a Craphead @ The Deleon White Gallery, 9:30pm, $10 (adv tix avail.).

The I Love You Toos (CD release) w/ Ronley Teper & her Lipliners @ The Music Gallery, 7pm, $15 (incl. entrance, a CD, and after-party at the Boat w/ DJs Sandro Perri and others).

SATURDAY (14 nov)

A / Collision (in-store) @ HMV Superstore (333 Yonge St.), 1pm, free.

* The Miles @ The Mod Club, 11pm (set time), $10. Email reachthemiles@yahoo.ca to get on the guestlist and get in for free. Don't be shy.

J. J. Ipsen @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

Beautiful Disgusting Humans fundraiser show feat. The Wilderness of Manitoba, Dave Merheje (comedy), Manicorn (comedy), Romo Roto, and more @ 913 Bathurst St., 10pm, pwyc.

Fidget (video release) @ Annex WreckRoom, 7pm, $5. Live performance at 9pm.

The Ambassadors @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, $5. 8-piece funk band.

Yesterday's Ring and Jo Snyder, w/ DJs Scott Wade & Betty B. @ Soybomb HQ, 10pm, $5. BYOB.

Voodoo Bunny (EP release) and Mass Assembly @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Robert Hedge (7" release) w/ Ben Rough and Jacqueline Rendell @ C'est What, 9pm, $6.

* MV + EE w/ Layne Garrett, Michael Keith, and Ptarmigan @ Teranga, 9pm, $7. Matt Valentine & Erika Elder return to Toronto, playing with Doc Dunn and Mike Smith.

* TWM 52 feat. Amos the Transparent, The Love Machine, Rival Boys, and Michou @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $8. Amos just won themselves a $25,000 music prize.

Download: Amos the Transparent, "Lemons, aka BigFishLittlePond" (My, What Big Teeth You Have..., 2009).

Ben Stevenson & Band w/ Tanika Charles and Michael Rault, and DJ Eon Sinclair (Bedouin Soundclash) @ Sneaky Dee's, 8pm, $10. Followed by the Shadows of Motown dance party. Soul all night long.

Vaudeville Whores, Garaga, Jen Simpson, and The Shanks (CD release) @ Polish Combattants Hall, 6:30pm, $10. Includes CD. Polish buffet available from 8:30pm.

SUNDAY (15 nov)

Magnolia w/ Caitlin Burgess, Sweet Peas, and Duncan Davies @ C'est What, 8pm, free.

Kristin Mueller-Heaslip @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

* Wavelength 489 feat. Young Flux, 'It It, and Vollmar, hosted by Doc Pickles, w/ visuals by General Chaos @ The Garrison, 9pm, pwyc ($5-10 sugg).

MONDAY (16 nov)

Elvis Mondays feat. Tommy & the Tall Girls, Gay, Pink Moth, and more @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 9pm, free. Free food, too.

TUESDAY (17 nov)

* The Rural Alberta Advantage (in-store) @ Soundscapes, 7pm, free. All ages. The RAA is the hottest Canadian band of 2009 according to this poll.

* Nu Music Nite 16th Anniversary Show feat. The Most Serene Republic, Still Life Still, and Zeus @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free. Yes! Free!

Download: Still Life Still, "Pastel" (Girls Come Too, 2009).
Download: Zeus, "I Know" (Something Awesome, 2009).

Allie Hughes, Brooke Manning, and Princess Century (Maya Postepski) @ The Cameron House, 9:30pm, pwyc.

Andrew Allen and Christina Maria @ Supermarket, 8:30pm, pwyc.

Honky Night feat. Drunk Woman, the Caraways, and GatesGatesGates @ The Silver Dollar Room, 9pm, $3?

Donlands & Mortimer (double set) @ C'est What, 9pm, $5.

Gildon Works and Ava Luna @ The Boat, 9pm, $5. Says Keith Hamilton: "Gildon Works is a danceable shoegaze rock outfit featuring members of Ted Leo/Parmacists hailing from Philladephia and decending on Toronto for their Canadian Debut. Ava Luna is an electro-punk soulful pop act like nothing I've really encountered while booking in the city. They are making their Toronto debut with this not to miss set."

WEDNESDAY (18 nov)

PWYC Weds feat. Arman's Frozen Peas, Garbageface, and The Alter Kakers @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc.

Wednesdays Go Pop! feat. Revolvers, Parlour Steps, and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald @ Supermarket, 9pm, pwyc.

Koushik w/ Vowls, and DJs Tony Phatak and Joe Shampoo @ The Garrison, 9pm, $10 (adv tix avail.). Koushik will be doing a free in-store performance at Sonic Boom on Thursday, 7:30pm.

Review: Junior Boys, Woodhands @ Lee's Palace (Toronto) and the Starlight (Waterloo).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Toronto

An interesting, exciting double-billing of electro bands, Toronto's Woodhands and Junior Boys, originally from Hamilton, stopped in at Toronto's Lee's Palace Friday night. Woodhands' energetic, in-your-face electro-pop is a guaranteed party starter; Junior Boys are much more about sexy grooviness. To Woodhands, you jump and scream. Junior Boys call for more restrained behaviour (at least in public spaces).

I arrived just shy of 10:30pm. A DJ was on stage amid smoke and the place was already buzzing. And then Woodhands came on. They had a healthy following on the dance floor, with audience members singing along to some of their better-known songs. There was dancing, but it took a couple songs for people to really loosen up. By then there was an excited group just to my right who were intent on dancing up a storm, and from my vantage point right up front it seemed like people were into things. A technical glitch or two didn't interrupt the flow for long. Dan Werb's screams and grunts were well-received and his frenetic keytar soloing from the high stage was a rare treat. (Woodhands is more of a visual band than one might expect given everything the duo is doing during a performance.) During the extended finale, "Dancer," drummer Paul Banwatt sang the female part---in context, not strange at all---and toward the end Werb sang parts of rapper Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." Banwatt, whose voice isn't present on the band's recordings, rapped during one of the band's earlier songs. Lee's Palace isn't the best place for a dance party, and so Friday night wasn't a particularly memorable Woodhands experience (for me), but not for lack of trying on the band's part. The duo definitely earned themselves a chunk of new fans.

Most people in the audience were there to see the headliners, who have been making waves in the dance scene for several years. (As a point of trivia, I first heard of Junior Boys because Woodhands' Banwatt had their "In the Morning" song streaming on his personal MySpace a couple years ago.) After Woodhands' high energy set, Junior Boys seemed super mellow, and though the band installed a green laser and the lights were put to good use, their performance wasn't a feast for the eyes. Junior Boys' live band---Jeremy Greenspan (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Matt Didemus (knobs and buttons and etc.), and a touring drummer---did a good job translating the recordings to the live setting. There wasn't much extended jamming during their set, which I found disappointing, but it did mean that we heard more songs than we might have. And the band has some good ones, including the stand-out "In the Morning" and new tracks "Parallel Lines," "Bits & Pieces," and "Hazel," off this year's Begone Dull Care. Greenspan is a strong singer, his voice fuller live than on their records.

Download: Junior Boys, "In the Morning" (So This Is Goodbye, 2006).
Download: Woodhands, "Dancer (Extended Mix)" (Dancer EP, 2009).

The juxtaposition of these two different electro-pop acts allowed for a fascinating study in contrasts. Woodhands and Junior Boys come out of different musical traditions and have had very different touring experiences. Both produce music that makes you dance, but Woodhands have built a reputation primarily for their explosive live sets. There is nothing explosive about a Junior Boys' show. Greenspan danced a little, but Didemus hardly seemed to be aware that there were hundreds of people watching him do his thing. Greenspan's between-song banter was, if not awkward, hardly befitting his music's smooth, sexy attitude. I found it jarring, like a jolt of reality spoiling a great moment.

Waterloo

The show was fun, but as a serious Woodhands fan I left rather unsatisfied, and unconvinced of the awesomeness of Junior Boys. There was only one remedy: go see them both again the next night in Waterloo at a smaller club, the Starlight!

This time around, with Woodhands on a much lower stage, things were as they should be. The younger crowd started dancing right away, and though I got the sense that not a lot of people there had seen them before, Werb's call for audience participation during "I Wasn't Made For Fighting" was eagerly answered. It was awesome. A great space, good crowd, and fantastic sound all made for a brilliant performance. The new song that the band played---they'd debuted it in Toronto the night before---struck me as stronger, and made me look forward to their new record even more than I had been.

The smaller club benefitted Junior Boys on Saturday night, too. I spent most of their set manning the merch table, and so had a dance party by myself. Fun times. They finished their set with a slow number, which was a bit of a vibe-killer, but redeemed themselves during the encore. And although I enjoyed JB more the second time around, to my mind Woodhands outdid the headliners in the danceability of their songs and certainly in their performance. Junior Boys' slow simmer is better for mood-setting at home or a DJ night at your favourite club. Their quieter, slower jams lose something in the live setting. Woodhands are a brilliant live dance band, and that's what I like most about them. Look for their new record, Remorsecapade, out 26 January.

Photo credits: Jeremy Greenspan by Michael Ligon, original here; Dan Werb by Aviva C., original here. Thanks!

Indie Music 101 (6-11 Nov 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:43:00 +0000

What's on tonight.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:31:00 +0000

I'm running late as usual this week, so here's tonight. There's a LOT of great things happening, so get out there and be part of some of it if you can! I'm gonna try my best... curious about Grand Analog in a library, Gravity Wave w/ Gregory Pepper. Kate Maki is great, Cursed Arrows are fantastic, the Horseshoe Tavern lineup is stellar, Brian Borcherdt's (Holy Fuck) got a new band...

THURSDAY (5 nov)

460 Basement Show feat. Christian Bridges @ 460 Spadina Ave., 9pm.

* Make Some Noise concert feat. Grand Analog @ Toronto Public Library College/Shaw Branch (766 College St.), 8pm, free.

* Cursed Arrows (CD release), Tonka & Puma, and We're For Barton @ The Garrison, 9pm, pwyc.

* Kate Maki (CD release) w/ Doug Paisley @ The Cameron House, 9pm.

The Main Thing w/ Barbara Mamabolo @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm, $5. Funk.

* Gravity Wave (CD release) w/ Gregory Pepper & his Problems and DJ Gabe Knox @ Teranga, 9pm, $5.

Hot Soup feat. Mike Gennaro & Kyle Brenders (free jazz), Diana Groenendijk & Suzanne Liska
of Flight Works collaborate w/ Neema Bickersteth (voice and movement), Anthony Bergamin (electro acoustic new opera), and Aurora Cowie & Brett Leier (alt. rock) @ Labspace Studio, 8pm, $5. This is a monthly "night of experimental sound and performance."

Field of Fur (feat. Brian Borcherdt), Dirty Inputs (feat. Aaron Dawson), and Vangel @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

Cheddar Cheese & The Mousetraps w/ SerbSuperb (AKA Branko) @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* Dog Day, Immaculate Machine, and The Balconies @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $10.

Sara Kamin and The Pigott Brothers (CD re-release) @ The Rivoli, 8:30pm, $10.

Ticket Giveaway: You Say Party! We Say Die! @ The Phoenix, 20 Nov.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:14:00 +0000

My two favourite musical genres are folk and electro, or, more specifically, electro-pop and folk-rock. The last contest I brought you was folk and pop and quieter stuff, so it's only fitting that now I've got one that showcases my love of dancing (awkwardly).

Vancouver band You Say Party! We Say Die! are on tour, promoting their new album, XXXX. The first and only time I saw this band was during this year's NxNE festival at the El Mocambo. Though festival showcases aren't always the best measure of a band's performance prowess, YSP!WSD! didn't tone things down. Front-woman Becky Ninkovic is a serious presence on stage (and great vocalist), and the band's songs are catchy and danceable without being overly produced or all about the 80s.

YSP!WSD! are coming to Toronto on 20 November. They're bringing Montrealers Think About Life and Torontonians---and YSP!WSD! label-mates---Little Girls with them. (The inclusion of the Slim Twig-ish Little Girls means this is certainly not a standard dance band bill.)

Download: Little Girls, "Youth Tunes," (Concepts, 2009).
Download: Think About Life, "Set You On Fire" (Family, 2009).
Download: You Say Party! We Say Die!, "Laura Palmer's Prom" (XXXX, 2009).

Courtesy the MuseBox, I've got a pair of tickets to give away to this show! So, if you're 19+, going to be in Toronto that night, and want to party it up good, send me an email (historyjenATgmailDOTcom) with your full name in the body and "YSP!WSD!" in the subject line. Get that into me by 11:59pm on Monday, 16 November, and I'll let you know if you're a winner the next day.

Fine print: Steam Whistle presents You Say Party! We Say Die!, Think About Life, and Little Girls, w/ DJ Vaneska @ The Phoenix, Friday, 20 November, 9pm, $12 (adv).

Ticket / CD Giveaway: The Wooden Sky @ Lee's Palace, 13 Nov.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:28:00 +0000

One of the country's top folk rock bands, the Wooden Sky, released their sophomore full-length album---If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone---this summer. (I liked it; still do.) To celebrate the release, the men went on the road, playing backyards, living rooms, rooftops, and other alternative spaces. Filmmaker Scott Cudmore went with them:

(Part 2 of the documentary is up here, and look for parts 3 and 4 later this month.)

Although the summer tour was fantastic for the bands and fans alike, and no doubt made every performance special in ways regular shows just can't be, it meant that fewer people could see the band perform than if they'd played in larger, more public venues. And that, I presume, is what this current tour is all about.

Torontonians can get their Wooden Sky fix on Friday, Nov 13 at Lee's Palace. They're bringing along local popsters Hooded Fang and the decidedly un-popy Brian Borcherdt, whose solo project bears little resemblance to his other musical endeavour, Holy Fuck. Each one of these acts alone would be enough to get me out of my pyjamas on a rainy night. In other words, good lineup. And now, thanks to me (read: not me), you can go to the show for free!

Courtesy the Musebox I've got two tickets and a copy of If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone on CD to give away to one lucky 19+, Toronto-residing reader. Want in on this? Email me your full name by 11:59pm on Tuesday, 10 Nov. I'll draw a random name and let you know if you're a winner the next day.

Download: The Wooden Sky, "Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)" (If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, 2009).
Download: Hooded Fang, "Fall Leaves" (Hooded Fang, 2008).
Download: Brian Borcherdt, "Scout Leader" (Coyotes, 2008).

Fine print: The Wooden Sky, Hooded Fang, and Brian Borcherdt @ Lee's Palace, Friday, 13 November, 9pm, $12.50 (adv, $15 at the door).

-----

The Wooden Sky will be hitting up other towns in Ontario and Quebec this month. Be sure to go early for Evening Hymns' set. He---Jonas Bonnetta, that is---has a new record out himself. I think you'll like it, too.

7 Nov @ Phog Lounge (Windsor, ON) w/ Evening Hymns
13 Nov @ Lee’s Palace (Toronto) w/ Hooded Fang & Brian Borcherdt
14 Nov @ Absinthe (Hamilton, ON) w/ Evening Hymns
15 Nov @ Merchant Ale House (St. Catherines, ON) w/ Evening Hymns
20 Nov @ The Albion Hotel (Guelph, ON) w/ Evening Hymns
21 Nov @ The Montreal House (Peterborough, ON) w/ Evening Hymns
24 Nov @ Call The Office (London, ON) w/ Evening Hymns & Jenn Grant
26 Nov @ L’Agitee (Quebec City, QC) w/ Evening Hymns
27 Nov @ The Blacksheep Inn (Wakefield, QC) w/ Evening Hymns
28 Nov @ Club L’Ambi (Montreal, QC) w/ Evening Hymns & Jenn Grant

Shout out: The Wilderness of Manitoba.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:57:00 +0000

[I originally prepared this for NxEW.ca's artist spotlight section.]

Toronto band the Wilderness of Manitoba got their start a year ago, but they're already getting recognized for their lush, melodic, nature-inspired folk songs. The band self-released their 8-song EP, Hymns of Love and Spirits, back in August. The release celebration was a two-parter: first, a rousing performance in a backyard garage; and then, a week later, a packed Sunday-night affair at indie hotspot Sneaky Dee's. Both events were thrilling for me, and for presumably most other people in the audiences. That a band can seem entirely appropriate---and sound amazing---in these two very different venues is, to me, a mark of something special.

With musical influences ranging from Joni Mitchell and other 60s folksters to hot American indie bands like Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, or our own Great Lake Swimmers, the WOM create soundscapes that draw you in, make you feel at home, and leave you wanting more. It may not be the most original music you've ever heard, but the band's 4-part harmonies are beautiful and stick with you. Or, as Bob Battams just put it, "Folk bands are a dime a dozen these days, but this band's hotness factor lies in their ability to make a semi-tired genre sound fresh and beautiful again." (He listed the band fourth on his list of the hottest Canadian bands of 2009.) The voices---three men and one stunning female vocalist---are a key part of the band's sound. Guitar, ukulele, banjo, cello, bass, and a variety of percussion instruments round things out.

Here's my favourite track, "Evening." This song was originally written by lead man Will Whitwham's mother. (Her version, recorded in the 1960s, is included on the EP, too):

Download: The Wilderness of Manitoba, "Evening" (Hymns of Love and Spirits, 2009).

Look for a Wilderness of Manitoba full length in 2010. In the meantime, grab yourself a copy of the EP from CDBaby (or, if you're in Toronto, from Criminal Records, Soundscapes, or Sonic Boom) or download it from iTunes. (Look out for it on Zunior soon.) You won't regret it.

For more on the band, see the UK's Line of Best Fit, blogTO, and Shawn Clarke's two part interview here and here.Photo credit: Chromewaves' Frank Yang captured the band at a recent show at the Garrison in Toronto. From left: Stefan Banjevic, Will Whitwham, Sean Lancaric (behind the drum kit), Melissa Dalton, and Scott Bouwmeester.

Review: Julie Doiron, Herman Dune @ Lee's Palace.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Julie Doiron is one of the country's musical national treasures. Her unassuming demeanor, loveable cuteness, gorgeous voice, and ability to really rock out when called for are standouts of her live shows. Even more so is the fact that she makes each one feel unique in ways other performers are unable to match. Last Tuesday night's Toronto concert at Lee's Palace was no different. It was, to my mind, also one of the concerts of the year.

The show opened with Doiron's friend, Shotgun Jimmie, but his 8:30pm slot was under-advertised, and I missed it entirely. Next up, one-time Doiron collaborators Herman Dune, a Paris-based two-piece. (They were Julie's backing band for 2004's Goodnight Nobody.) Self-introduced as David Herman Dune (vocals and guitar) and Neman Herman Dune (drums), the band performed 11 songs; practically a headlining set. David's songs and singing style remind me of Jens Lekman. They are personal and a little chatty, kinda folky---or, "anti-folk," as they call themselves---but mostly popy. So, tailor made for me to fall in love with them (and I did when I saw them at Lee's back in March). It was a strong set, helped by Julie joining in singing duties for the last couple songs. I was impressed with the band's ability to really rock out given their instrumental limitations. The extended versions of the songs they performed were great, and really got the crowd revved up for the main event. In fact, the post-performance cheering was unlike anything I've heard before for a mid-show band: long and loud with many shouts of "encore!" It was not to be.

Happy that my earlier comments to show-going friends that "Herman Dune is great, you'll like them" had proven true, I was hoping for great things from Julie. And that's what I got. She was backed that night---and that night only, so she said---by the Baird brothers: Jesse on drums and Jay on bass. Other guests included Constantines' Will Kidman and Shotgum Jimmie on electric guitar. Quite the impressive lineup. A friend standing behind me was giddy with excitement; this was more than she could have hoped for. The only thing missing (for me) was Julie's musical partner Fred Squire, but she performed two of his songs, including the brilliant "Spill Yer Lungs."

Julie, Will, and the Baird Brothers performed 10 songs for us, rocking them up good. We got a string of hits, including new ones off her most recent record, I Can Wonder What You Did with Your Day. My favourite off the new record, "Tailor," made it in there. Then the men left the stage, and Julie sang and strummed 6 more. She took audience requests, performing rather more, I think, than perhaps she'd planned. She asked at one point whether she could play a new one for us, seeming apologetic for wanting to do so. Oh Julie, you're so cute. And then Jesse---who's gotta have the best drum face in the business---and Jay came back on-stage. "Jimmers" was invited up too, for an impromptu figure-it-out-as-we-go-along jam session to perform 4 more songs. On a couple occasions Jesse knocked both drum mics off their stands, he was hitting the symbols so forcefully. The whole thing was really something else. I was counting songs, the good reviewer that I am, and so was aware that we were getting rather more than normal. Julie's tunes run shorter than most, but still. The show ran the gamut from soft and sweet (and nearly heart-breaking) to hard-rocking awesomeness. As I left the venue, I overheard one bouncer comment to another, "An hour 45 [minutes]---fans got their money's worth." Indeed. Wow.

Download: Julie Doiron, "When Brakes Get Wet" (I Can Wonder What You Did with Your Day, 2009).
Download: Julie Doiron, "Consolation Prize" (I Can Wonder What You Did with Your Day, 2009).

Photo credit: Adam M. Anklewicz. Thanks Adam!

Podcast 54 (22-28 Oct 09) feat. the Schomberg Fair.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Tyler and I met up with Matt, Nate, and Pete from the Schomberg Fair at a rehearsal space earlier this week to talk about their new record (Gospel - out now!), their upcoming tour, and so they could play us a song. Plus other stuff: how the band classifies their sound, Nate's worst performance experience, the band's plans for the future, and more. Featuring songs by the Schomberg Fair ("Angel's Wings"), Everything All the Time ("I Get So Hot"), Make Your Exit ("Kids"), the Schomberg Fair ("Trouble Will Soon Be Over" [live recording]), Sprengjuhöllin ("Worry till Spring"), and Sky Larkin ("Smarts").

The Schomberg Fair celebrate the release of Gospel on Saturday at the El Mocambo. Also performing at their friends the Unsettlers (and 11-piece band from Montreal) and the Speaking Tongues, on first at 10pm. Cover is $8 at the door, and you'll be able to buy the new record for only $7 more. I hear there will be some surprises....

Listen at Zygiella
Download the podcast
RSS (subscribe / download this and past podcasts)
iTunes (subscribe)

Indie Music 100 (22-28 Oct 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Like this list? Join my Facebook group to get my weekly Toronto indie music listings. Subscribe to my weekly podcast (or download the episodes) here, or through iTunes. Or just listen to the latest one, and all the other ones, at Zygiella. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads.

Last weekend was pretty hard to beat, show-wise, but now we've got another week with some options. Lots of top-notch yet inexpensive shows on offer, all for the low price of $10 or less. Take something in if you're able! I'm still trying to figure out my schedule, and it just might depend on my mood each day. As usual, the shows I'm most recommending have stars attached to them. But I'd probably be happy to be at nearly anything on this list. Toronto is awesome.

A couple other things to mention: There a 2-day Metalfest @ Duffy's Tavern on Friday and Saturday. More details here. This is billed as "2 Days Of Dinge & Destruction."
For more on the Music Gallery's X Avant New Music Festival, check the MG's website. I've got a few of the "late night series" shows listed below.

THURSDAY (22 oct)

* Pamela Brennan, Chris Staig, and Andrew Vincent @ The Press Club, 10pm.

* The Gladstone Hotel & Blocks Recording Club present Thursday Night Confidential feat. The Pining and Emma McKenna @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 10pm, free.

Download: The Pining, "Life Ain't Fair" (The Pining, 2009).

Peter James Project w/ The Histrionics @ Mitzi's Sister, 9:30pm, no cover.

* Rah Rah, Michou, and The Gramercy Riffs @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $5.

The Disciplines (feat. Ken Stringfellow) w/ Husk @ Velvet Underground, 8:30pm, $8.

X Avant Late Night Series I feat. Shearing Pinx, Black Feelings, Actual Water, Ahna, and Weirding Module @ The Garrison, 9pm, $7.

TWM presents Pumps, Other People (formerly We're For Barton), and The Dropjoys @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

Rival Boys, Rat Tail, guest, and DJ Christian Dagger @ The Boat, 8pm, $10-$5 donation. Proceeds go to the Farley Foundation.

Mighty Popo @ Hart House (Arbor Room), 9pm, free.

We Have Band w/ Young Empires (feat. Matthew from GoldenGirls) @ Wrongbar, 7-10pm, $10.

* The Untold City presents OPOPO, Kidstreet, Adolf Glitter, Young Flux, more @ Wrongbar, 10pm, $7.

Pop Goes the Ossington feat. The Dank, Littlefoot Longfoot, and Blue Venus @ The Ossington, 9pm, $5.

Tiger Bar Groove! feat. Bravestation, The Playground Hookers, Datura, Triceratops, and Saskatoon Guitar Destroyer @ Tiger Bar, 9:30pm (start), $10 (or 2 tix for $11 total). Join this group and get in for $7 or two for $8.

FRIDAY (23 oct)

Beansprout Series presents Barn Owl, Big City Nights, and Alex Kalmar @ 1307 Bloor St W, 8pm, pwyc. All ages. Proceeds to Bloor Landsdowne Christian Fellowship's community programming.

Download: Barn Owl, "Concerning The Jane & Finch Murders."

Lana Laro w/ Brent "The Driller" Miller @ Holy Joe's, 9pm.

* No Shame presents Everything All The Time (EP Release), Whale Tooth, Mike Duguay @ The Drake Hotel, 8-11pm, $7. Dance!

Download: Everything All The Time, "Losing My Mind" (Everything All The Time, 2009). This is a great EP.

Mutters (tape release) and Rocket Reducers @ 751 (751 Queen West), $5, ($2 tapes).

Practice Halloween Party feat. Parks & Rec, Ginger & Irene, and The Bootleg Glory @ The Legion/Canadian Corps Headquarters, $7 (or $5 w/ costume).

Murder Ford Monument (CD release) w/ The Jing Bang Show, StereoGoesStellar, and 1977 @ Rancho Relaxo, 8:30pm, $5.

The Goodluck Assembly, Make Your Exit, and Corduroy @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $8.

Download: Make Your Exit, "Kids" (Remind Me the Reason I Came, 2009).

Slowcoaster w/ guests @ Lee's Palace, 9pm, $10.

SATURDAY (24 oct)

The Framework and Rikers @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8-11pm, $5. Should be fun.

Vilipend, Kosmograd, and Orn @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5. Oh my.

Mt. Royal and Colourbook @ Rearview Mirror, 9pm, $5. I've seen and like Mt. Royal in the past. Great band.

Winhara and Sprengjuhöllin @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $10. A band from Iceland!

Download: Sprengjuhöllin, "Worry till Spring."

X Avant Late Night Series 3 feat. Sightings, Trashed Genes, Panopticon Eyelids, and 10,000 Watt Head @ The Garrison, 9pm, $7.

GutBustALooga feat. The Bring Back Swayzes, Fashion Tips, B'MO Crazy, and High Heels Lo Fi @ The Poor Alex (772A Dundas St W), 8:30pm, $5. Promises to be ridiculous (in a good way).

* The Schomberg Fair (CD release) w/ The Unsettlers and The Speaking Tongues @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $8 ($15 and you get the new album too). Yes!!

Download: The Schomberg Fair, "Trouble Will Soon Be Over" (Gospel, 2009). This is one of the slower tracks on the album, and my current favourite.

SUNDAY (25 oct)

Benefit concert feat. The Better Vistas Tango Quintet, Nigel's Angels (flute, viola, and harp trio), and the performance of a new Canadian composition by Darren Miller @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge, 2-4pm.

Holy Folk! feat. R. Mirsky, Brodie Dakin, and A.V.H. @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc.

* X Avant Late Night Series 4 / Wavelength 486 feat. Stop Die Resuscitate, Danger Bay, Terror Lake, and JR Hill (Winnipeg), w/ General Chaos Visuals, DJ Michael J Brown, and host Doc Pickles @ The Garrison, 9pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested).

* Gather Round Season 3 premier feat. Hamilton Trading Co. and The Strumbellas @ The Boat, 9pm, pwyc. These are always lovely acoustic-like evenings.

We, The Firemakers (CD release); The Love & Terror Cult; Vilipend; Kosmograd; and Justin Zoltek (The Knockouts) & friends @ Sneaky Dees, 9pm, $8.

The Peace Leeches, Sprengjuhöllin, and The Archives @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6. Again: Iceland!

MONDAY (26 oct)

* Fucked Up Weekend Pre-Party feat. Lovvers (UK), Vicious Cycle, School Jerks, and First Base @ The Garrison, 9pm, $8 (adv). Look for more FU Weekend shows next week.

Gloryhound, Two Crown King, and Homefront @ Horseshoe, 8:30pm, free.

* Engage Concerts presents Awesome New Republic w/ Invasions and The Best @ Velvet Underground, 8:30pm, $8 (adv).

TUESDAY (27 oct)

Diemonds, The Blakes, Kobra & the Lotus, and the Black Rainbows @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Lisa Marie Kruchak / Aimee Rochard, Joy Thompson, and Evan Symons @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, pwyc.

TWM presents Great Dane, Minto, and Carnival Moon @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm $5.

Download: Minto, "Burnt Down Trainbridge Blues (Lawyers)" (Lay It On Me, 2009).

* The Bronzed Chorus (Greensboro, NC), Antarctic (Jacksonville, FL), Sleep for the Nightlife, and Reverse Mount Rushmore @ Siesta Nouveaux, $5/pwyc.

WEDNESDAY (28 oct)

Shotgun Jimmie (in-store) @ Soundscapes, 7pm, free. All ages.

* Wednesdays Go Pop! feat. Yukon Blonde, The City Streets, and Leif Vollebekk @ Supermarket, 9pm, pwyc.

Trixx, Cry Angel, The Snipes, and The Johnnys @ Horseshoe, 8:30pm, $4.

Reid Jamieson @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $7.

The City Streets, Touch Me Airborne Plague, and Cedar @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

* Peggy Sue, Sky Larkin, and William Delray @ Cameron House, 9pm, $5. A couple of good UK acts.

Shout out / Review: The Diableros.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Last Tuesday the band released a new 5-song EP, Old Story, Fresh Road, on 12" clear vinyl and digital download. (You can buy a copy of the former from the band at their shows or order it from their website.) The album was recorded with the help of Laurence Currie, who's produced Can-rock favourites like Sloan and Wintersleep. On Friday I went to see the band perform at the Boat in Kensington Market. The show was a testament to the hard work and skill that goes into being one of the city's top lesser-known rock acts.

Ah, the Diableros. The band's 2007 album, Aren't Ready for the Country, was the first album I purchased from Zunior. I was also the first "indie" album I bought without ever having seen the band perform live. All this is the say that I knew then what I know now: this is a quality band.

I didn't actually get to see the Deebs until June 2008 when they performed a blistering set at the Silver Dollar during NxNE. By then the group that recorded the 2007 full-length and the 2005 debut (You Can't Break the Strings In Our Olympic Hearts) had changed considerably, personnel-wise. Now, the 5-piece includes only two original members: singer, guitarist, and lead song-writer Pete Carmicheal, and guitarist Ian Jackson. The lineup's filled out by three former Postage Stamps' members, namely, bassist Keith Hamilton, organ-player Jordan Walsh, and drummer Mike Duffield. The new EP and the live show showcase a band that's both old and new, experienced but excited about what lays ahead, and poised to win over a whole lot of new fans. But don't take my word for it. There are no throw-away tracks here. Awesome stuff. Most of the songs on the EP feature what I think of as the Diableros' signature rock sound, but with stronger vocals than I would have imagined. I'm loving the loud organ, fast-paced drumming, great guitar lines, and, well, everything. Here's my current favourite:

Download: The Diableros, "Heavy Hands" (Old Story, Fresh Road, 2009).

Here's where you can catch the Diableros over the next little while:

Sunday, Oct 18 2009, Montreal, Quebec @L’Esco Bar, 8pm
Friday, Oct 23 2009,Windsor, Ontario @Phog Lounge, 9pm
Saturday, Oct 24 2009,London, Ontario @Evac, 8pm
Friday, Oct 30 2009,Ottawa, Ontario @Zaphod Beeblebrox, 8pm

What's what this weekend.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Sorry, no time for listings this week, but to make up for that, here's a run-down of what I'll be doing and you might be doing. Most of these shows are $10 or less, but a smattering at a little more. But all Jen-approved, of course.

Thursday I went to see Katie Stelmanis, Diamond Rings, and PS I Love You at the Garrison, a new spot on Dundas just west of Ossington. Great show! I enjoyed all the bands and had a big grin on my face kinda the whole night.

Tonight (Friday), I'm headed to the Boat for the Diableros' CD release party w/ Planet Creature. There'll be a dance party after the bands, and the whole thing's only $5. If I have time, at 5pm Two Hours Traffic are playing at Soundscapes (for free), Dan Mangan's at Criminal Records at 6pm (also free), and Spiral Beach are performing at Sonic Boom at 7pm (ditto)! Crazy, eh? Dan's at the Rivoli tonight (w/ Will Currie & the Country French), and the other two at at Lee's Palace. I have serious love for THT. Also tonight, the first of two shows by Cuff the Duke (headling at the Horseshoe) and Shout Out Out Out Out (at Wrongbar). Cuff's backed up by local openers Boys Who Say No tonight, and Great Bloomers on Saturday. SOOOO are bringing along TMDP both nights. Or else catch Arietta at Sneaky Dee's, Ex-Po at Rancho Relaxo, or Shelb Lamb at Tranzac, all tonight. For something a little more active, check out the high-energy and much fun Maylee & Pegwee Power at Supermarket, w/ DJs John Kong & Circle Research.

Saturday, all day, you will want to be on the island for this. It's the annual ALL CAPS! show. Promises to be awesome-awesome. That night you can see the Lovely Killbots at the Cameron House, Donlands & Mortimer at C'est What (w/ T H O M A S), Gentleman Husbands at the Bovine, and Hey Ocean! (w/ The O'Darling) at the Rivoli. Catl and Bradley Boy join forces again at the Dakota Tavern.

Sunday is for Wavelength, of course.

Indie Music 99 (9-14 Oct 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:33:00 +0000

What's on tonight.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:59:00 +0000

I may or may not have time to post my full listings today, so here's a start on them... so many good shows happening!

THURSDAY (8 oct)

* Hart House Music Committee presents Ohbijou @ Arbor Room, Hart House (U of T), 9pm, free. All ages.

Jon Brooks @ Not My Dog, 10pm, pwyc.

* Hamilton Trading Co., Idle Tigers, Baird Bros., and Construction/Deconstruction @ Rearview Mirror, 9pm, $5.

Chang-a-Lang, Wild Boar, Kind Heights, Make Me Young, and Cigarettes @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

* The Main Thing, Mamabolo, and Yr New Friends @ Mitzi’s Sister, $5.

Sugar Fight 9 feat. Scott Mission, The Little Black Dress, and Phonebooth Criminals @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Guesswork, RecordBreaker, State Of Mind, and Real Cops @ Lee's Palace, 8:30pm, $6.

Oliver Pigott, Sean Pinchin, Unknown Culprits, Sara Kamin, and Sebastian Pigott @ Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, $7.

* Burn Down The Capital presents Torngat w/ Muskox and I Have Eaten The City @ Teranga, 9pm, $8 (adv).

Luke McMaster and Adam Crossley @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 8:30pm, $8.

* Gymnasium: Fundraiser for the Academy of Lions feat. Sweatshop Hop, Danger Bay, MC Jo-El, Lovers Love Haters (debut, ex-The Organ), and Debbie Suede @ The Garrison, 9pm, $10/pwyc. There will be an auction and more stuff.

* Exclaim! presents Octoberman (CD release) w/ Eamon McGrath and Betty Burke @ The Dakato Tavern, $?

Mark Pesci and Embrace present Barred for Life (Toronto) feat. The Loved Ones, !Attention!, and more, w/ DJs Mark Pesci and GG Allison @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $10.

* Mark Berube and The Patriotic Few w/ Ariane Mercure @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8pm, $10. This show will probably be done by 11pm.

Shout out: The Balconies and Sandman Viper Command.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:23:00 +0000

I've been out and about a little less in recent weeks, trying to be more choosy with what I see, save a few $$, and get some work done. But it doesn't mean I've lost my love for live music, especially of the cheaper variety. It's awesome when I see a band that I never heard of and end up loving them, or a band I have some experience with that ends up really impressing me. It really happens more often than it rightly should, speaking to the depth of talent in this part of the world that has yet to break out elsewhere.

Last Friday that band was the Balconies, a young group originally from Ottawa but recently resident here whose debut full-length I tried to like but didn't much. When they came on---headlining Lee's Palace for their CD release after strong sets by more well-known bands---I wasn't in the best mood and pretty sure I wouldn't find them much more than ok. Wrong! I was at the front at the beginning of their set, and soon moved back behind the soundboard where the volume was less loud, and where I could be a little moody without anyone else noticing. After another song or two, though, the band had me hooked. Guitarist and lead vocalist Jacquie Neville was near-mesmerizing on stage. A strong voice and stage presence rarely matched in such a young performer (in my experience), I could hardly take my eyes off her. Great pop hooks and enough musical changeups kept my attention and forced me to admit that this band's really got something. I was less keen on the songs where Jacquie's brother and the band's bassist took over lead vocals, but it'd be hard for anyone to match her vocal chops. I went home and took another listen to their self-titled album. It's not so bad, after all. (And more proof that I usually need to see a band live in order to really "get" what they're about.) Consider me a convert and an enthusiastic booster.

The Singing Lamb's with me on this one, but she was in love with this band way before me. Note to self: pay more attention to Melody's picks. There were a bunch of photographers at the show, too. Clearly this band is on plenty of people's radars.

Download: The Balconies, "Lulu" (The Balconies, 2009).
Download: The Balconies, "The Slo" (The Balconies, 2009).

[Photo credit: Frank Yang.]

---

The second young band that had me enthusiastic this weekend was Sandman Viper Command. This Burlington group had impressed me back during Pitter Patter Fest in May, but though they had some good songs and great vocals, I wasn't convinced they'd found a sound all their own. I wanted to see them again and hoped they'd find themselves a niche and a larger audience when I did. Well, they did. Whether I missed it the first time or the band has honed their sound, on Sunday night at Sneaky Dee's---the last band to perform there as part of the Wavelength series---Sandman Viper Command showcased a sound that mixed old fashioned rock 'n' roll with new pop. And I loved it. Without sounding much like these other bands, they had me thinking of Ra Ra Riot, Zeus, and Two Hours Traffic, and in my books that is a good thing. I was impressed, and so too was the audience, it seemed. The guys had people paying attention and dancing, and though the crowd wasn't so large as it might have been, no doubt the word is spreading. I gotta admit I'm pretty excited about SVC.

They've got themselves on the recent Hi-Hat Recordings compilation album, and are set to play Elvis Monday next week. Check them out then if you're able.

Download: Sandman Viper Command, "Strawberry Quick" (Everybody See This, 2009).
Download: Sandman Viper Command, "Oh Yeah, It's Fusion" (Everybody See This, 2009).
There are lots of other great tunes on this record.

[Photo credit: Bryan Ulrich.]

Book Giveaway: Canuck Rock.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Last week I told you about a new book that I really enjoyed and learned a great deal from: Ryan Edwardson's Canuck Rock: A History of Canadian Popular Music. Now I've got a few copies of the book to give away! Details and a Q & A below, plus download songs by some of Ryan's favourite Canadian artists.

The book deals with rock 'n' roll, folk, and other popular (read: commercially successful) forms of music in Canada from the 1950s to the present day. Although fairly broad in scope, the book is mostly interested in exploring the development of a domestic Canadian music industry and ruminating on the relationship between national identity and popular music. The first few chapters make clear that though there was lots of popular music being performed in this country, musicians were rarely able to make a career out of doing so unless they moved, recorded, and signed a record deal elsewhere, usually the United States. The Canadian content rules for radio implemented in the early 1970s allowed for the creation of a domestic music industry. In its heyday, MuchMusic played an important role, too. The last 20 years have seen serious challenges to Cancon, and— ironically—the success of that legislation has meant that it no longer functions as it once did: to support new and emerging Canadian artists, labels, and recording studios. The book ends by discussing the impact of the internet and how much the domestic industry is embedded in the international music marketplace. See my original review for more.

I went to the book launch at Soundscapes last Tuesday, where there was a fascinating discussion about the history and current state of the music industry in this country between Edwardson, Canadian music heavy-hitter Bernie Finkelstein, and music journalist and historian Nicholas Jennings. There were some good questions from audience members afterward, which inspired me to ask a few of my own questions of Ryan the next day:

Jen: In your remarks at the book launch, you said that there was very little writing on the history of Canadian music outside Nicholas Jennings’s Before the Gold Rush and some magazine articles. What is it like researching and writing about the history of popular music?

Ryan: Well, in the case of Canada, for better or worse it meant working largely with a blank slate, and as such I let the research material guide me through it rather than coming in strongly with a set idea of how things should be written. I had encountered a bunch of anecdotal accounts, and some journalistic decrees of essentialism in describing music in Canada, and just knew that there had to be something more substantial. So, I gathered up as much material from whatever sources I could—print, archival, interview, etc.—and let that inform me and in turn provide the foundation for the book. Consequently, the book approaches the topic from a number of angles, including the experiences of musicians, broadcasters, Canadian content legislation, and fans themselves. One can't simply talk about "musicians in Canada" when it comes to understanding the evolution of "Canadian music."

Jen: One of your main arguments is that the Canadian content rules for radio allowed for—and forced the—creation of a domestic music industry. Well now we've certainly got one, even if it’s highly integrated into the international marketplace. Is Cancon still relevant today?

Ryan: That of course is the big question that continues to divide the industry. It’s all the more complicated by the proliferation of the Internet and MP3 technologies that offer alternatives to traditional broadcasters. Yet these technologies have not made Cancon obsolete; if anything, they play off of each other. Rather, it is the abundance of internationally-acclaimed, multinationally-backed acts of Canadian citizenship being used to fill the Cancon quota (and whose music is bound to be aired anyways) that have complicated the situation. The original idea behind Cancon is still sound—providing opportunities for citizens of a country to access their publicly owned airwaves—but the challenges being faced by emerging artists, composers, recording studios, etc. have evolved and significant barriers still exist.

Jen: Your book is written in a way that makes it accessible to a broad audience. Was this a deliberate choice? Why?

Ryan: Most definitely. After all, if your goal is to share ideas with people, what’s the use of jargon-filled writing that can only be read by a select few? This is especially true when it does not have to be written as such, and all the more so when it comes to popular music, a topic with a massive audience outside of the academic world.

Jen: The book jacket says you’re a music fan. Do you follow current artists? Who are your favourites these days?

Ryan: Hmmm. Although the likes of Joel Plaskett and the Weakerthans ride high on my playlist, among the lesser known (and more recent) acts that deserve much more attention, I think, are Old Man Luedecke, NQ Arbuckle, and Elliott Brood. There’s definitely some amazing talent out there, and so much of it is available to be seen at smaller venues where you can actually hear the music coming from the instruments rather than just what the P.A. system has to offer.

Want to know more? (I hope you do!) To win a copy of the book, email me your name and mailing address. Put "Canuck Rock" in the subject line of your message, and get your entry to me by Sunday, 4 Oct, at 11:59pm. I'll let you know on Monday if you're a winner, and you should get your book soon thereafter! If you don't win a copy you can pick one up at bookstores and places like Soundscapes ($21.99) or order it online.

And now for some music from Ryan's favourites (we have similar taste in music, seems like) . . . .

Download: Joel Plaskett, "Safe In Your Arms" (Three, 2009).
Download: The Weakerthans, "Sun In An Empty Room" (Reunion Tour, 2007).
Download: Old Man Luedecke, "Proof of Love" (Proof of Love, 2008).
Download: NQ Arbuckle, "I Liked You Right From The Start" (X O K, 2008).
Download: Elliott Brood, "Write It All Down for You" (Mountain Meadows, 2008).

Indie Music 98 (25-30 Sep 2009).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:10:00 +0000

What's on tonight.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I'll have the full list up soon... but here's tonight for the moment.

THURSDAY (24 sep)

* The Antlers (in-store) @ Criminal Records, 6pm, free. All ages. The band is playing later that evening at the Horshoe with openers Arietta and Holly Miranda. Tickets for that are $10.50 adv or $12 at the door.

Locomotive 8, The Black Beat @ The Central, 10pm (start), free.

* Ronley Teper's Lipliners (2 sets) @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm, pwyc. Promises to be a good time.

* Isla Craig and Ivy Mairi (10pm), preceeded by Daniela Gesundheit's Tentet-Jewish Liturgical (8pm) @ Holy Oak Cafe, pwyc. Lovely voices all 'round.

Michael Holt @ Tranzac (Tiki Room), 8-10pm, pwyc.

The Strumbellas, The Sweet Peas, and Alex Leggett @ Mitzi's Sister, 9pm, pwyc/$5? Should be fun.

Acoustic Roots Review feat. Dan Kosub and others @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm.

* Honest I's, A Horse and His Boy, LAN Party, and Maggie Cross @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $5.

Download: Honest I's, "Young."

* Kids on TV (release party) and Diamond Rings @ The Gladstone Hotel (Melody Bar), 10pm-1am, free. Wee!

The New Enemy (EP release), The Little Millionaires, and DJ MSTRkreeft @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5. Party of "Pistol Whipped Thursdays, a once a month event! For all your favourite Acoustic/Country/Cow Punk and Beard Rock."

Blacklist Manifesto, Wildlife, The Decade of Sleep, and The Championship Heartache @ Lee's Palace, 8:30pm, $5. Good bands on this bill.

* Christina Maria Group, The Jessica Stuart Few, and Eve & the Ocean @ The Rivoli, 9pm, $8.

Sugar Fight presents Foxes in Fiction, The People of Canada, Last of the Bandits, and Father Christmas @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $6.

Book Review: Canuck Rock by Ryan Edwardson.

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Canuck Rock tells the story of rock 'n' roll, folk, and other popular styles of music in Canada; the Canadian songwriters and musicians who made it big in the U.S.; and the emergence of a domestic music industry within the multinational market. The book is mainly concerned with English-language music, but there are important sections devoted to the rather different musical happenings in Quebec. This book serves as a useful overview of the music industry in Canada that emphasizes how music came to be seen as having important nationalistic purposes when very little in its history, content, or production was particularly Canada-focused.

The book's main argument is that there was no music industry to speak of in English-speaking Canada prior to the Cancon regulations for radio in the early 1970s. The new rules meant that a significant percentage of daytime airtime had to be devoted to playing Canadian music---music that hit upon two quantitative measures of Canadianness: the music was composed by a Canadian, the lyrics were penned by a Canadian, the song was recorded in a Canadian studio, and it was performed primarily by Canadian musicians. Under the regulations, the definition of "Canadian" was not dependent upon citizenship, but referred to artists living and working in Canada: Artists who were actively part of the domestic music industry.

Commercial radio stations in this country come off as the greatest villains in Edwardson's telling. In the 1950s and 1960s they would, with rare exceptions, only play songs already charting on the American Billboard hit-list. There are anecdotes about radio programmers laughing in the face of Canadian arists, and then literally trashing local albums without even listening to them. The musicians and industry-boosters who took it upon themselves to push for Canadian content regulations for radio in the late 1960s and into the 1970s deserve the most credit for the creation of infrastructure that has allowed musicians, studios, and label owners to make a living based in Canada. The advent of MuchMusic at a time when there were few Canadian-made videos was a huge boost to the domestic industry, but only for the station's first decade, after which it changed its programming focus. By the end of the book, which rushes through the great changes in the industry since the mid-1990s, commercial radio stations are once again painted in negative terms. Even though Cancon has remained in place, changes over the years and---ironically---the strength of Canadian music in the past few decades---has meant that the regulations are much less effective than they once were in supporting new and emerging artists. With large backcatalogues of established and internationally-known Canadian artists to turn to, radio stations are once-again risk averse. The internet has changed their importance relative to other forms of media and publicity, but Edwardson's book is too broad---and perhaps too soon---to delve much into recent happenings.

Edwardson convincingly shows how popular music in Canada went from being almost completely un-national in content, influence, location, support, and intent, to being an art-form and entertainment championed as a major component of Canadian culture. The change didn't spur Cancon, he claims, but it did happen concurrently with the growing sense among music types that a domestic music industry ought to exist for reasons unrelated to nationalism.

I enjoyed this book. It is accessible yet intelligent and well-researched---Edwardson had a PhD in history, after all. Some readers may enjoy the earlier chapters that cover the story of Canadian popular music in its proper American or British contexts. Others, like myself, with find more of interest in the latter, more industry-focused, ones. Content-wise, the book is a little disjointed, with the Quebec sections not as well integrated as they might have been. (But then, the story there is so different, and Cancon had little effect because radio in that province was already playing French-Canadian artists.) Anyone interested in the history of music-making in this country, and especially of the emergence of the domestic music-making industry, will find much of interest here. Like all good books should, this one leaves me wanting to know much more.

Canuck Rock is being launched this evening (Tuesday, 22 September) with a panel discussion at Soundscapes. Ryan Edwardson will be joined by True North Records' founder Bernie Finkelstein (who figures prominently in the book as one of the heroes of the Canadian industry) and author Nicholas Jennings (Before the Gold Rush). The free event runs from 7 to 9pm.

Indie Music 97 (17-23 Sep 09).

noreply@blogger.com (historyjen) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:41:00 +0000

Like this list? Join my Facebook group to get my weekly Toronto indie music listings. Subscribe to my weekly podcast (or download the episodes) here, or through iTunes. Or just listen to the latest one, and all the other ones, at Zygiella. Make sure to check the rest of my blog for show reviews and photos, giveaways, and downloads.

Much happening over the next 7 days. You'll have some hard choices to make!

THURSDAY (17 sep)

* Brian Borcherdt, Jose Miguel Contreras (By Divine Right), and Julie Fader (in-store) @ Criminal Records, 6pm, free. All ages.

* Deerhoof w/ Serengeti and Polyphonic @ Yonge & Dundas Square, 8pm, free. All ages. Part of TIFF.

Gentlemen Husbands, Monster Trucks, and Songs From a Room @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, free.

Download: Gentlemen Husbands, “Tapanga” (Something Along the Lines of “A Lesson in Unprofessionalism”, 2008).

The Histrionics @ Graffiti's, 9pm, free.

Laura Macdonald, Griffin Epstein, and Liv Carrow @ Tranzac (Tiki Room), 7:30pm, pwyc.

* Hand Drawn Dracula presents Brian Borcherdt, By Divine Right, Off The International Radar, Julie Fader, and Josh Reichmann @ The Drake Hotel (Underground),8pm, $5 (or $10 after midnight). Later: Megasoid, and DJ Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck).

The Boogieman Jordon Daniel @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9pm, $5.

RanchaPalooza: A Tribute to Grunge w/ Recordbreaker, Protozoans, Ex~po, Santa With Muscles, The Discards, Yukon Cigar, Blood Rexdale & the Walls are Blonde, and Mondo Bizarro @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $7. "Songs by bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Dinosaur JR, Stone Temple Pilots, Hole, Smashing Pumpkins & Matthew Sweet."

Stephanie Braganza w/ The Groove Suit @ Neutral, 9pm, $7.

The Organ Thieves and Orphan Choir @ The Bovine, 9pm, $7.

Heart of a Shark (CD release) w/ Ten Kens, The Sitcom, and Chun-li Fan Club @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $7.

* Black Diamond Heavies w/ The Speaking Tongues and Evelyn @ Velvet Underground, 8:30pm, $7. Adv tix avail.

Download: The Speaking Tongues, "Doctor Doctor" (Wild Sound, 2008).

Amelia Curran w/ “The Six Shooter Welcoming Committee” @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $10. Adv tix avail.

Download: Amelia Curran, "The Mistress" (Hunter, Hunter, 2009).

FRIDAY (18 sep)

Out of Order, The Bag Ladies, The Money Shots, The Rotten, and more @ Rearview Mirror, 9pm, free.

Kate Rogers @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7:30pm, pwyc.

Emilie Mover @ Holy Oak Cafe, 10pm, pwyc.

* Pacific Trash Vortex (CD release) w/ Grasshopper, Terror Lake, and Broken Tree Fort @ Teranga, 9pm, $4 (or $6 and you get the CD too).

Madcowboys and The Pariahs w/ DJ Vania @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

Spirits (CD release) @ The Hideout, 8pm, $5.

Eien Hi, Kind Heights, and 1977 @ HeartBeat 960, 8pm, $5.

North Lincoln, Junior Battles, Whiskey Trench, and The Roman Line @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $5.

Universe 326, fleeceelves, and Tin Star Orphans @ Mitzi's Sister, 10pm (start), $5.

YYZ Records presents Madrid, Kidstreet, and Jeremy Glenn @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8pm, $5 (or $10 after midnight). Later: DMoney presents Edumacation 2nd Anniversary w/ DJ Fase and Bobbito. In the Lounge, DJ Lucie Tic and Dougie Boom.

* Steam Whistle Unsigned 11 feat. Machetes, Foxfire, and Little Foot Long Foot, w/ DJs The Rural Alberta Advantage @ Steam Whistle Brewing (255 Bremner Blvd), 8pm, $5. "100% of the door is donated to the Artists' Health Center Foundation. (ahcf.ca) These shows have raised over $11 000 for the AHCF to help them help local musicians and artists!" More info here.

The Boojies w/ Thee Virginia Wolfes and MC The Wolfman @ Smiling Buddha Bar, 10pm, $5.

* The Stormalongs, Styrofoam Ones, Zeroes, The Eatons, and Krupke @ The Silver Dollar Room, 9pm, $6.

Clara Engel, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, and Jaggery @ Labspace Studio, 8:30pm, $7.

* Modernboys Moderngirls (CD release) w/ Clothes Make The Man, Burn Planetarium, and Rikers @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, $8 (or $10 and you get the CD too).

Fitzroy Terrors w/ Street 66 @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 9:30pm, $8.

* Kazoo! & The Music Gallery present Le Cyc (a graphic novel bike opera performed live) @ The Music Gallery (197 John Street), 8pm, $10 (or $5 for members & students). All ages. The performance starts at 9pm. For more info, click here.

Stuck in the City presents Soul Control, The Endless Blockade, Haggatha, and Titan @ Siesta Nouveaux, 8pm, $10. All ages.

* No Shame 100 feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick a Piper, and The Skeletones Four @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 9pm, $10. Help my favourites No Shame celebrate 100 shows!

Download: Green Go, "Brains for Breakfast" (Borders, 2009).
Download: Ruby Coast, "Neighbourhood" (Projectable Collections, 2008).
Download: Pick A Piper, "Yellowknife" (Pick A Piper, 2009).
Download: The Skeletones Four, "The Fish Rots from the Head" (live, Orangeville, 17 May 2009).

Patrick Brealey (CD release) @ St. Stephen in the Fields Church (103 Bellevue Ave), 8:30pm, $10.

Zoe Boekbinder (CD release) w/ Kay Pettigrew and Air Heart @ The Rivoli, 8pm, $10.

Explicit Fantastic (80s glam party) feat. MCs Sweatshop Hop w/ Henri Faberge & the Adorables, Kids On TV, and Melleefresh, plus DJs Vaneska and Spydabrown @ Metro Theatre (677 Bloor St. W), 9pm, $10 (before 10pm, or $15 after). Free drink ticket with admission.

SATURDAY (19 sep)

Shortwave @ The Mod Club, 11pm (showtime), $10. Get on the guestlist for free entry.

* Dwight Schenk farewell show feat. Slipper Orchestra, Basement Arms, Ronley Teper & her Lipliners, and The Slipper Orchestra @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 10pm (start), pwyc. Drinking and dancing in the Tiki Room w/ DJ Chambers @ 8pm.

Download: Dwight Schenk, "Ready for Judgment Day" (Natural Disasters, 2008).

Cool Dad w/ The Wilderness and Tin Star Orphans @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 10pm, pwyc.

Download: Cool Dad, "Lookin' For A House" (Delaware, 2009).

Alex Grantham, Matthew's Dominion, Mitch Clark, Julian Hackquebard @ 460 Spadina, 9pm, $5 (one free beer included).

Moore and Faith of a Martyr @ The Bovine, 9pm, $5.

* Pop Montreal presents Hooded Fang, Silly Kissers, The Miles, and Makeout Videotape @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 8pm, $5 (or $10 after midnight).

* TWM 49 feat. B.A. Johnston, Horses, and Windom Earle @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, $7.

* The Hoa Hoas, Elephant Stone, and Michou @ El Mocambo (First Floor), 9pm, $7.

* The Bon (7" release) and Catl @ Trash Palace, 6:30pm, $8 (incl. 7"). BBQ from 6:30-8pm. Bands at 8 and 9pm.

Download: Catl, "Pickup Killed My Ford" (¿Adónde Vas? A Ningún Lado, 2009).

Mardeen (EP release) w/ All Day Driver and Nate Kreiswirth (Cancel Winter), 9pm, $8.

* Japandroids, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, and Brides @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 9pm, $12 (or $10 adv tix avail.).

The Woodchoppers Association et Jah Youssouf @ The Music Gallery, 7pm, $15 (or $10 member, $5 student & senior). Performance starts at 8pm.

SUNDAY (20 sep)

Sing-a-Long Sundays w/ Steve Singh, feat. Lincoln County Social Club @ The Drake Hotel (Lounge), 9pm, free.

Santa with Muscles, Matt Bahen, Megan Hamilton & the Volunteer Canola, Boiled Weiners (sketch comedy), and The Understudies (sketch comedy) @ Rancho Relaxo, 8pm, pwyc. Megan Hamilton and Ben McLean's (Showcho) going-away party.

Wavelength 481 feat. Grand Trine, Magic Cheezies, Cousins, Rat Tail, and Popeye's Golden Theory (Cuba), hosted by Doc Pickles, and w/ visuals by General Chaos @ Sneaky Dee's, 9pm, pwyc ($5-$10 sugg).

The Beauties @ The Dakota Tavern, 10:30pm, $5.

* Growing, Slim Twig, and Carl Didur @ The Boat, 9pm, $10 (or $8 adv).

Download: Slim Twig, "Phantasm Inquest” (Contempt!, 2009).

Machetes, Scarlett Fever, Cadillacs & Cadavers @ Neutral, 9pm, $10/pwyc.

Benefit Concert for Kiva.org and Save Darfur feat. Ev O'Lution, The Little Black Dress, Dave Borins, Stacey Kaniuk, Logiq @ El Mocambo (Upstairs), $10.

MONDAY (21 sep)

Shoeless Monday feat. Beta Porn (11:15pm), Alter Kakers (10:15pm), and You Call Yourselves Soldiers (9:15pm) @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

This is Awesome @ Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge), 7pm, pwyc.

Burn Down The Capital presents Daniel Francis Doyle w/ Pace The Stairs, Women In Tragedy, and Cousins @ The Boat, 9pm, $7.

TUESDAY (22 sep)

Pink and Black Attack presents Maximum R'n'R and Caution Inc @ The Bovine, 9pm, free.

* Book launch for Canuck Rock by Ryan Edwardson, with guest panelists Bernie Finkelstein and others @ Soundscapes, 7pm, free. All ages. [Not music.]

Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite feat. Rosewoods (11:40pm), Vicious Guns (10:50pm), Dustin Bentall (10:00pm), and Holly Andruchuk (9:10pm) @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, free.

Fred Spek's Camp Combo @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm-midnight, pwyc.

Sue & Dwight (CD release) feat. Kevin Quain (bass/piano), Adam Warner (percussion), Shelley Coopersmith (strings), Kim Cole, and Michelle Rumball (background vocals) @ The Cameron House, 7pm, $10. Adv tix avail.

WEDNESDAY (23 sep)

* Sunparlour Players @ Yonge & Dundas Square, 12:30pm, free.

Elvis Monday [sic] feat. The Stormalongs, The Albertans, Heartbeat Hotel, Broken Bricks, and The People of Canada @ The Drake Hotel (Underground), 9pm, free.

PWYC Weds feat. Good Citizens, Rep by Pop (CD release), and My Son My Son @ Rancho Relaxo, 9pm, pwyc ($5 sugg).

Cold Dead Hands, A Northern Drawl, and Elos Arma @ The Horseshoe Tavern, 8:30pm, $4.

Clocktet @ The Boat, 9pm, $5.

The Sheepdogs @ The Dakota Tavern, $5?

Urban Preacher w/ Brute Force Romeo @ The Cameron House (Back Room), 10pm, $8.

Springsteen's 60th Birthday feat. Craig Martin & the Superchargers playing classic Springsteen @ The Cadillac Lounge, 9pm, $10.