Everyone has a handful of websites that they check out on a regular basis.
Within the Toronto scene, I have three clear cut favorites, but when a solid act rolls through town I always stop by Concertaholics to see if there is a review. Concertaholics reviews are always in depth, more often than not the reviews include pictures and the full AV gamut and they (Jeff and Todd) do a great job communicating the overall vibe of the shows. They are both Concertaholics and they bring you insights into the city’s top shows.
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”.
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 and Colour won the MuchMusic People’s Choice Favourite Canadian Artist award in 2006, and performed live on the 2007 JUNOS, (Canada’s Grammys), taking home the award for Alternative Album of The Year.
City and Colour will headline the show and will take the stage at 9:40pm
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.
The Black Crowes rolled into Massey Hall on Saturday night as part of their Euphoria or BustTour.
The reviews of the showhave 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 they do, and maybe it’s all simply part of the vibe that they carry it out with a fairly subdued energy, but as one review stated “they performed as if they couldn’t wait for a smoke break.”
The hits that people went to see evoked cheers, applause and enthusiastic appreciation from the crowd, although (and like all concerts) there was disappointment with the exclusion of some key tracks. All responses said Jealousy Again was incredible, but many were bummed that Hard To Handle wasn’t played.
For true fans of the Black Crowes, you can’t go wrong seeing them live. For casual fans or those looking to be critical, some are pondering the truth to the tour: Euphoria or Bust?
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 making a video of human beings and real life and time without using cameras, just lasers, so there are just mathematical points – and how strangely emotional it ended up being.” …
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 the second stage include: Hostage Life, Creature and The Flatliners.
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 album is made entirely of renewable materials.
A bit about The Free Press…
Toronto’s The Free Press are a bold breakthrough in Pop music – a band that thinks as hard as they rock, or in the context of their live show, a band that entertains as much as they ask their audiences to think. It’s a combination that comes from the band’s unique blend of personal and musical backgrounds, and from their enduring belief that – as cliché as it might sound – rock ‘n’ roll can still change the world.
TOUR DATES
TORONTO, ON: Horseshoe Tavern, July 11
OTTAWA, ON: Live Lounge, July 25
GUELPH, ON: Jimmy Jazz, August 16
KITCHENER, ON: The Boathouse, August 22
HAMILTON, ON: Pepper Jack Cafe, August 23
OTTAWA, ON: Bassline Station, August 29
CAMBRIDGE, ON: Johnny O’s Fantastic Fun Farm, September 13
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 released by some incredible Canadian acts including the likes of Toronto’s Holy Fuck (LP), Winnipeg’s Weakerthans (Reunion Tour), Montreal’s Plants and Animals (Parc Avenue) and Kathleen Edwards (Asking for Flowers)…just to name a few. The short list is down to 10 entrants - widdled from the semi-final selections.
There is no submission process or entry fee for the Polaris Music Prize. Jurors select what they consider to be the best Canadian albums released in the previous year. A cross-Canada panel of 185 music journalists, broadcasters and bloggers determines a long list of semifinalists, released in June, as well as Monday’s 10-entry short list. A smaller panel of 11 judges will ultimately select the winner. Jurors include national music mavens like John Sakamoto and Alan Cross.
The third annual Polaris Music Prize will be awarded at a gala, hosted by CBC Radio 3 host Grant Lawrence, at Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre on Sept. 29.
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