Toronto Unplugged

The Verve returned to America for the first time since their split a decade ago to perform at the Coachella Festival in California this past Friday night – and frontman Richard Ashcroft told the faithful the band is back for good.
He explained: “Most bands, when they reform, they don’t bother making any new music. That’s what this band’s all about.”
Ashcroft went on to grumble about the stench of the backstage toilets from the stage, but seemed genuinely glad to be back with his band, concluding the set by saying: “It’s been a great night… I’m off to Vegas after this.”
Then …read more

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The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) is a group of some of the best independent music stores in America. CIMS maintains an ongoing list of the top album sales from these record stores in America.. This CIMS Chart is always an interesting reflection of what is selling in the great record stores across the land.
Released just last week (on the 22nd) Tokyo Police Club’s new album Elephant Shell has broken through and occupied the 11th spot on this diverse and top quality list. The Toronto band has always attracted attention with their high energy shows, their …read more

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After a three year recording hiatus – during which he played two historic concert series in NYC and LA devoting one evening each to his Jam, Style Council, and solo catalogs, and earned Lifetime Achievement honors at the 2007 Brit Awards, among other highlights – Paul Weller returns on July 22 with 22 Dreams, his ninth solo album and the most ambitious of his career.
22 Dreams is not a return to form. It is not “Weller’s best record since [fill in your favorite album here.]” It is a complete flowering of every musical impulse this artistic polymath has previously …read more

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Produced by Martin Terefe, who also produced 2005’s Retriever and 2002’s Cobblestone Runway, Exit Strategy of the Soul was recorded in varied locations including studios in London, England and Havana, Cuba. Its ambitious arrangements, backed by a punctuating and swelling horn section on nearly every song, complete an album that is one of Sexsmith’s most wide-ranging in breadth of sound and feel.
With Ron Sexsmith’s disarmingly warm, inviting voice and his brilliant lyrical melancholy, the album’s 14 tracks contain observations on spirituality, love and the ever present hope that the beauty of life can overcome the world’s harshness. Also included here …read more

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One of the most talked about Canadian bands right now is Nova Scotia’s Tom Fun Orchestra. The 10 piece Soul | Western Swing | Post Punk outfit is touring the globe and giving everyone something to rave about along on the way.
Their recent release You Will Land with a Thud has received rave reviews from music authorities at everywhere. Description? …the sound of exotic birds standing on the sides of forgotten highways, flapping their wings in the winds of speed-induced truckers.
Seeing this band live is an experience – your eyes race the stage to keep up with …read more

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There are a few interesting gigs tonight in town. Here is a rundown of the one’s that stand out…
Kathleen Edwards with Justin Rutledge will be playing the Phoenix.
This is a great venue to see both these acts – intimate with great sound. Let us know how this one goes
Portland’s Scout Niblett will play the Shoe tonight.
The style is lyrical, trance, strange folk. Reminds a bit of Bjork. Here is a back cab session

Ninja Funk Orchestra @ the Concord Cafe
Maybe the coolest name ever
The Great Train Reverie @ the Dakota Tavern
A great change of pace. Check …read more

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Beneficiaries of some great industry buzz and from the sunshine state, Against Me! will be rolling through our city on the Toronto Warped Tour stop on July 19th.
This year’s Toronto Warped Tour will throw down at Downsview Park (Allen Road).
Against Me! is giving fans a a sneak peak at their new video ‘STOP’
Check it out…

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Decemberists front man Colin Meloy played a solo acoustic performance at the Phoenix last night. The stage consisted of Meloy, 4 acoustic guitars, a glass of wine and a bottle of wine. Simple and honest. Meloy is an extremely talented and intelligent singer songwriter and with the recent buzzing success of the Decemberists, he has been hitting the road touring with his own material as well as playing some songs from the band. A great musician entertaining a Toronto crowd at solid venue, how can one go wrong?
Colin Meloy is touring in support of his …read more

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Not Music related. Toronto FC related.
Huge win at home today over Real Salt Lake. Toronto FC’s new additions lived up to their hype and you can feel a rejuvenated confidence amongst the club and fans.
Local press article
Local Toronto FC Blog
Next match: Next Saturday at home against 1st place team Kansas City Wizards – 3pm
Image Credit: Pitch Invasion

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It’s officially playoff time in the NBA and our Toronto Raptors will take on the Orlando Magic in the first round. Although this is a music blog, it is also a Toronto blog and for the most part, we hold our sports just as high as our music.
Last week, Chris Bosh pleaded with the fans in this video to take the ACC to the next level with regards to noise and fan support. Home court advantage is only an advantage if it is an intimidating venue for other teams. Chris made it out to a few Toronto …read more

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