Toronto Unplugged

The first band to kick off Rogers Picnic on Sunday will be GTA’s own The Carps.
Here is a little about the funky, rockin’, R&B duo…
Scarborough-based The Carps thrive on ingenuity with an attractive blend of rock, funk, electronic and hip-hop. Wielding a disheveled bass, a wonky synthesizer, and hard-hitting drums, the duo steer raw emotion into a palatable and progressive direction while never leaving their mindless self-indulgent Punk Rock days far behind. The Carps recently released their sophomore EP titled “Waves and Shambles”.
Have a listen…

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Rogers Picnic is this Sunday at Toronto’s Historic Fort York.
Toronto Unplugged will randomly preview the line-up all week….we’re just starting with our favorite. And yes, they spell their name with a ‘U’…you’re goddamn right.
City and Colour is the solo project of Dallas Green, the dulcet voice of Platinum and Juno award winning Alexisonfire. Consistently selling out every venue across Canada and performing around the world (including legendary festivals such as Soundwave, Reading, Leeds, V-Fest) City and Colour’s debut album “Sometimes” achieved Platinum certification in 2006 and recent release “Bring Me Your Love” has already achieved Gold certification. City …read more

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After a one year hiatus, Edgefest returned to the Toronto summer calendar with a very impressive showing.
Highlights included the return of the Stone Temple Pilots, an energetic set by Sam Roberts and a killer performance through a massive downpour by The Bravery.
In my opinion…the more big acts coming to Toronto the better – so welcome back Edgefest and kudos on a strong lineup.
Check out Jam’s review… 
If you were there, give us your highlights.
Image Credit:  Electrobus

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The Black Crowes rolled into Massey Hall on Saturday night as part of their Euphoria or Bust Tour.
The reviews of the show have been pouring in. Texts, emails, chats with friends and colleagues have all alluded to the fact that while it is cool to go see the Black Crowes live , it’s a fairly ordinary show.
The band has been at it a long time and for the most part, they are a tight band when they perform, but they also have the tendency to coast a bit. There is no denying that the band enjoy what …read more

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It’s a huge Saturday in the city tonight.  Months back, when tickets were going on sale, you would have had some big choices to make…here they are:
Joel Plaskett Emergency will be opening for Great Big Sea at the Molson Amphitheater
7:30 pm, $39.50-$59.50
The Black Crowes is playing Massey Hall w Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
This will be a solid, solid show.  Send in your reviews.
Massey Hall, $49.50-$59.50
New Music | Spur of the moment pics…
Catl, Bradley Boy @ The Dakota 10 pm, $5
Shortwave, The Giant Baby, Slave to the Squarewave @ The Rivoli, 8 pm

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Radiohead is at it again…doing things their own way.  This is what we love about them.
Radiohead are exploring a new way to make their next music video.  The band’s latest video, “House Of Cards,” is being done without the use of a camera.

Instead, the group is utilizing Geometric Informatics and Velodyne Lidar to create the unique video.  I’m sure everyone knows what that means…
For the non-techies, the Geometric Informatics employes a structured light scanning system to capture an image (in this case Thom Yorke and others in the scene) in 3D at close proximity.
Yorke says, “I liked the idea of …read more

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Emerging Toronto Indie rockers The Coast have a big show on the horizon. The Coast will be featured on the second stage at Edgefest, presented by 102.1 The Edge.
Edgefest is one of the summers biggest concert events and will feature bands such as Stone Temple Pilots, Linkin Park and Sam Roberts.
Just a few months ago, The Coast launched their anticipated debut full-length album Expatriate to a full house at the Horseshoe Tavern.  Although the few hundred in attendance at the Shoe will seem distant to the tens of thousands that will occupy Downsview Park for Edgefest.
Other notable bands on …read more

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THE FREE PRESS launch their debut full-length album ‘HALF TRUTHS & WHOLE LIES‘, at the Horseshoe FRIDAY JULY 11. Doors at 9PM. $8 at the door.
The Free Press’ have worked long and hard at preparing for the debut of their first full-length album, which is out independently this week.
This unapologetically-pop group goes against the grain in choosing to write songs about relevant political and social issues, matching the lyrics with an upbeat tempo and catchy hooks. It’s a refreshing take on feel-good music.
The band sets a good example of social responsibility; even the packaging of the new …read more

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The Polaris Music Prize is a music award annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label.
The award was established in 2006 and includes a C$20,000 cash prize. The Polaris Music Prize is modelled after the Mercury Music Prize, which is handed to the best British or Irish album over the past year. The award is sponsored by Rogers, Sirius Satellite Radio, Radio Starmaker Fund, and the Canadian Recording Industry Association, and the ceremony is broadcast live on CBC Radio 3.
This year’s short list for the prize includes albums …read more

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Facebook lurking helped me (re) find Five Star Trailer Park.  I saw an alert that a mate had joined their group and I went back and listened to them again, because I remembered digging their sound when they were featured on CBC Radio 3 back in February.  A very cool indie rock pop band from our fair city. 
Their sound is a vibrant mix of softer sounds and lyrics with rock riffs and strong vocals.  Comparisons have ranged from Ryan Adams to Foo Fighters.
Formed in 2004, Five Star Trailer Park is no stranger to big shows, and its past accolades are plenty. The …read more

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