Toronto Unplugged

In a weather teasing afternoon at BMO Field in Toronto, the home side put out an inpressive effort to best the L.A. Galaxy 2-0.
With goals from rookie Julius James – making his first appearance of the season – and Jeff Cunningham, the Reds dominated the match and further extended their impressive stretch at home. The victory improves Toronto’s record at BMO Field to 4-0-2 this season, and continues their home unbeaten streak to 8 games – Toronto hasn’t lost at home since Sept. 22, 2007.
Although both teams were missing key players, Toronto dismissed suggestions that their bench guys couldn’t …read more

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When I’ve been following a band for a while and they finally hit the airwaves on local radio – in this case the Edge – I always hit to emotions:  a) I think, ‘nice, now more people will be exposed to this great band’ and b) I get immediately disappointed because I know that the Edge will play the song every hour and I’ll be sick of it in two days or less.
In any case, MGMT’s single Time to Pretend has made it’s way on the Edge.  Get ready to fall in love with the song and then get sick …read more

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Matthew Good is used to touring with his acoustic guitar.  It is a little easier on the body…perhaps because it is more about the music and lyrics and less about the ‘rock’.  This tour, to the delight of fans, Good has decided to crack out his electric again, but admits it’s taking a toll on his body.
“I woke up this morning feeling like I’d run a marathon after which I was hit by a bus, dragged four blocks, and then set upon by wolves,” he said on his website, matthewgood.org, the day after the concert.
The band on this tour is …read more

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Eric Clapton is playing at the Molson Amphitheater as I type this. I wish I was there. I would say that I had another engagement, but since I’m at home writing this, I guess I have no excuse. I just came in from outside….it’s a chilly night…not the balmy end of May us Torontonians pray for. 
Rock and Roll has brought Eric Clapton extreme highs and extreme lows – all contributing to the grand journey.    Musically, Clapton is known the world over for his prowess on the electric guitar and has written some of …read more

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Getting big into podcasts lately.  Not just me…but a lot of people I know.  There are some very insightful minds on virtually every subject and more and more of them are developing podcasts.
One podcast I was recently introduced to by my man Jim, is John Sakamoto’s Anti-Hit List.  There are a few things I like about this podcast:  1. JS knows his shit  2. Music discovery is a beautiful thing  3. Some of the tunes are outstanding
The Anti-Hit List is a weekly music column by Canadian music critic John Sakamoto.
The column presents a countdown list of Sakamoto’s ten favourite non-hit …read more

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Episode 64 of the CBC R3-30 podcast was the Survival Guide to the NHL Playoffs, featuring Dave Hodge, a very special surprise guest and 10 songs from the top 30. Toronto’s The Coast cracked the R3-30 with their track No Secret Why.
The Coast released their much-anticipated debut full-length, Expatriate, on Aporia this April at the Horseshoe Tavern. The place was packed with anticipating fans and the band rewarded the crowd with a rockin set introducing the new tracks and leading frenzi’s on the familiar ones. It was a ‘good to be back’ set and offered a look …read more

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Here is a great Toronto Rock and Roll band….
The Salingers are four friends who share an ideal, a romantic notion of sorts: That rock music can make the small and mundane feel epic and vital, and provide a hopeful soundtrack to the inevitable negativity that surrounds. Or perhaps most importantly, that it can make you walk a little differently – with a little more purpose, with a greater sense of self.
The Sound…part throw back to the late 80’s/early 90’s UK rock scene, part Strokes influence with catchy quick hooks, and some Sloan influence (but way, way cooler).
Standout Track:  2025
The Salingers …read more

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Most may know Toronto’s historic Fort York for the annual beer festival…most might not remember any of it, but that’s standard. The Rogers Picnic has declared Fort York home for their annual bash celebrating great music. This year’s bash will feature New York’s Vampire Weekend.
In case you missed Vampire Weekend when they were last in Toronto at their crazily hyped show at the Horseshoe Tavern, this is a chance to see them at another unique (although much larger) venue.
The other acts at this year’s Rogers Picnic includes Animal Collective, Cat Power, Dizzee Rascal, Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, …read more

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Silverstein, illScarlett, Cancer Bats, Teenage Head and the Black Lungs are set to rock the 13th annual S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival on Sunday, June 29th 2008. The renowned all-ages, one-day music festival will feature 151 performers at 13 venues and 16 stages across downtown St. Catharines.
S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival (St. Catharines Event for New Music Entertainment) spotlights the best and brightest of the independent music scene, presenting an eclectic roster to thousands of music fans. From intimate clubs to large …read more

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A handful of musicians including Jason Collett will be playing at Lula Lounge tonight to raise money for the Burma Cyclone Relief Effort.
Recent UN estimates put the cyclone’s death toll at over 200 000. Relief workers are describing the situation as “apocalyptic”, and warning that this may well turn out to be worse than the 2004 tsunami disaster.
All proceeds from the concert will be sent to Buddhist monks and non-governmental local aid organizations in Burma through the International Burmese Monks Organization – bypassing completely the Burmese government and their obstruction of foreign aid.
Donors are requested to write the cheques payable …read more

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