Man, I haven't done one of these in a while. One of them main reasons is that I've been so in debt these days! What with the paying for my new album, and borrowing loads of money (to pay for my new album). That means, I can't afford to go to shows. That makes me sad, so I try to avoid looking into what's going on.

Anyways, I'm still poor, but you may not be! Check this stuff out:

THURS APRIL 15

Daniel Fred and Julie at Horseshoe Tavern
I don't know very much about this act, other than Julie is the wonderful Julie Doiron, and that the music is pure folk. The tracks on their myspace are great. Should be a good bet.


FRI APRIL 16

Plants and Animals CD release at Horseshoe Tavern
Plants and Animals were a band it took me a while to get into. Now that I am digging their sound a bit more, I'm curious about there new album. EDIT: THIS SHOW IS ACTUALLY ON TUESDAY APRIL 20th. THANKS FOR KEEPING ME HONEST MECHANICAL FOREST SOUND!!


SATURDAY APRIL 17

The Tallest Man on Earth at El Mocambo
THIS is why I didn't want to look into whats going on this week. The Tallest Man on Earth released one of the best albums of the decade with 2008's Shallow Grave. He has a new album out... I can't afford it.... damn. This just makes me mad!! Please go to this.


MON APRIL 19

The Specials at Sound Academy
This is sold out. That sucks. Who doesn't want to see the Specials?! Maybe you can get scalper tickets, it'd probably be worth it.


TUES APRIL 20

Los Campesinos! at Phoenix Concert Theatre
Arguably the most fun you can have with an Arts & Crafts artist. And that's saying a lot.

This Week in Toronto: March 11 - 17

Hello, long time no see. I promise to put up my track of the week tomorrow, but here's what you can get up to this week. You'll notice I'm avoiding CMW stuff. That's for good reason. Seeing a band on a tight schedule with 5 other acts, at a packed venue with people who aren't listening is not the scene for me. So instead, why not get up to this!

THURS MARCH 11

Little Foot Long Foot at the Central
Hard blues rockin duo Little Foot Long Foot are always a good time. Think a Role reversed White Stripes.

SAT MARCH 12

Joanna Newsom at the phoenix Concert Theatre
The always interesting and intelligent Joanna Newsom brings her particular brand of... I don't know... folk?... to the Phoenix Concert Theatre! It looks like an early show, doors at 6.

SUNDAY MARCH 13

Tillie's Punctured Romance playing at Revue Cinema 4pm
One of Charlie Chaplin's first films! A silent film in a theatre on a Sunday afternoon, I can't think of a better way to spend my time!

This Week in Toronto Feb 18-24

Hey there, sorry about the lack of content this week. A lack of money keeps me inside a lot, so that means, no shows, no buying new albums, etc. But I do have some shows you should check out this week.

THURS FEB 18

Tortoise at Lee's Palace
Dammit!! It's shows like that this that makes me mad I have no money. I love Tortoise. Damn.


FRI FEB 19

Chali 2na at Revival
Jurassic 5 main man is helping celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Hip Hop Karaoke! Does that mean he'll be doing Sugar Hill Gang covers? God, I hope so.


SAT FEB 20

Schomberg Fair at the Horseshoe
Just starting to get into these guys. It's like... well, on their myspace, they call it speed gospel. I like that. Check out their page, this music has to be heard to be believed.


TUES FEB 23

M. Hulot's Holiday playing at Bloor Cinema 4:30
This is one of my all time favorite movies. It's situational comedy at it's best, very little dialogue. Jacques Tati was one of films great geniuses.


WED FEB 24

Gentleman Reg Residency at the Drake
This is the one with By Divine Right! Nice. *EDIT* Actually it's Evening Hymns this week! I missed By Divine Right, thanks to Jen at Narratives for the correction!

This Week in Toronto Feb 11-17

THURS FEB 11

Wavelength 500 featuring Holy Fuck at Steamwhistle
Wavelength continues it's big celebration with Holy Fuck, Russian Futurists, FemBots, Diamond Rings and Professor Fingers


FRI FEB 12

Wavelength 500 Featuring From Fiction
I'm not familiar with From Fiction, but appearantly this is a reunion of sorts... more exciting is the night also features a reunited Bicycles, Laura Barrett, Magic Cheezies and Young Mother


SAT FEB 13

Wavelength 500 featuring the Constantines at Polish Combatants Hall
Constantines! also featuring a reunited Rockets Red Glare, Donne Roberts, Picastro and Danger Bay.



SUN FEB 14

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Phoenix Concert Theatre
This is how you celebrate Valentines Day.


WED FEB 17

Gentleman Reg at The Drake
The 3rd in a Gentleman Reg residancy at the Drake. This one also features Dance Yourself to Death and Sheezer. Maybe other surprise guests.

This Week in Toronto Feb 4-10

THURS FEB 4

Lisa Bozikovic at The Holy Oak Cafe
I'm loving Lisa's new album Lost August, I even included her track "Grey Sky" as Mondays track of the week. She's playing tonight at the incredibly intimate Holy Oak Cafe. I'm gonna try to make it, see ya there!


FRI FEB 5

Martha and the Muffins CD release at the Music Gallery
The "Echo Beach" new wave rockers will be releasing their first album in 18 years! Playing Friday and Saturday at the Music Gallery, with Birds favorite Wilderness of Manitoba opening! Nice.


SAT FEB 6

Great Lake Swimmers at Trinity St. Paul Church (427 Bloor St W)
If there was ever a band to see in a church, this is it. I know, I've seen them in a church.


MON FEB 8

Magnetic Fields and Laura Barret at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
It's great to see some of my favorite local acts getting the chance to play with bigger acts coming through town. Wilderness of Manitoba opening for Martha and the Muffins, and Laura Barrett opening for the Magnetic Fields. Plus I love the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.


TUES FEB 9

Daryl Orr Jazz band at Gate 403
Man, I haven't been out to see a jazz band in some time. I can only assume that you haven't either. So, how about we meet up in my neighbourhood at Gate 403? A pint and some jazz? Anyone?


WED FEB 10

Wavelength 10th anniversary concert
This is the start of a 5 night event! Tonight will be Bruce Peninsula, Evening Hymns, Pony Da Look, Deep Dark United, and Canaille. To see times and who else is playing this week, check out the facebook page here.

This Week in Toronto Jan 14 - 20

Hey folks. OK, I'm gonna rush this, because I'm off to New York City tomorrow, and I gotta get some things together. Sooooooooooooo check this yo.

THURS JAN 14

The Strip CD release at Hugh's Room
Good folks, releasing their 2nd CD (although I think it's just a duo on the album), at one of Toronto's finest venues. The Donfors are opening as well. So a good night of music!

SAT JAN 23

Clues at Comfort Zone... Silver Dollar?
Former Unicorns and Arcade Fire folk got together to form Clues. I haven't heard much of their music, but what I have heard is intriguing. So, I think it's at Comfort Zone, but Eye Weekly is showing it at Comfort Zone AND Silver Dollar at 9pm... I can't imagine it's at both. Maybe show up a bit early and check.

SUN JAN 24

Wale Tooth at The Garrison
Part of the always exciting Wavelength series. Whale Tooth is good fun.

MON JAN 25

Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2 playing at Bloor Cinema
See Tarantino's brilliant and fun take on samarai, spaghetti Westerns, and revenge films. It will be a great double feature.

TUES JAN 26

Robert Hedge at the Horseshoe
Robert released one of the best EP's of the year, "The Observer". You can go pick it up, and/or just say happy birthday (it's his birthday!) on Tuesday. He's on first, so get there early.

This Week in Toronto Jan 7 - 13

Ahoy! It's getting cold, but that shouldn't stop you from getting out to some good shows this week!

THURS JAN 7

Fitness Club Fiasco at Clintons Tavern
All the way from "Bristol" comes Fitness Club Fiasco. This is a fun band, think Postal Service... but not too much.


FRI JAN 8

Eddie Orso and Valery Gore at the Rivoli
Great double bill! Eddie and Valery both put on great shows, so this is a great chance to see both!!


SUN JAN 10

Bahamas at Garrison
Bahamas released a great, under heard album last year. And this duo put on a great show. Great way to spend a Sunday night.


TUES JAN 11

Owen Pallett and Diamond Rings at Mod Club
I'm so glad Owen dropped "Final Fantasy". Worst band name ever. See him at the Mod Club with Toronto sensation Diamond Rings.


WED JAN 12

Will Currie and the Country French at Supermarket
I'm not exactly familiar with this band. But enough people with trustworthy opinions are talking about them. See what the hype is about!

This Week in Toronto Dec 31- Jan 6

Hey, how's your last day of the year going? Any crazy new year plans? Did you like my Top Ten Albums of the Year list form yesterday? Here's a couple ways to spend the rest of the week

THURS DEC 31

By now, you know what to do tonight. If you don't, I suggest just getting a hold of your good friends. My best New Years eve's have always been about good friends over location. Drink responsibly, and if you don't, take the TTC. They're free from midnight until 4.

SAT JAN 2

The Red Shoes playing at Cinematheque Ontario 7pm
Micheal Powell and Emeric Pressburger directed some great films through the mid part of the century (personal favorites include Peeping Tom, Black Narcissus and The Life And Times of Colonel Blimp). In 1948 the took on the world of ballet (loosely adapting the Hans Christian Anderson story) in The Red Shoes. This is a stunning film.


SUN JAN 3

Muskox at Tranzac 5pm
This fantastic instrumental act is on first at the Tranzac, so make sure you arrive early (or on time... 5pm people!)


MON JAN 4

Harold and Maude playing at Bloor Cinema 9:05
This print seems to be in constant rotation, but I can't stress enough how great the movie is. A quirky inter-generational love story. Wes Anderson owes this movie his life.


WED JAN 6

Matt Paxton at Supermarket
Brittle voiced songwriter Matt Paxton plays the Supermarket.

This Week in Toronto Dec 10 - 16

Hello. Click on the links people. You can hear music from all of these great acts I'm recommending. And, if you like, you can write a comment in the section marked "Comments" Here we go:

THURS DEC 10

Amelie playing at Bloor Cinema 4:15pm
One of the sweetest films ever made. Featuring the gorgeous Audrey Tautou. She's seriously one of the cutest actresses of all time. If this isn't quite your thing, come back at 9:30 for Blue Velvet. Nothing cute about that.


FRI DEC 11

The Constantines, Weakerthans and Attack in Black at Lee's Palace
This is a great triple bill! I can't say enough about the Constantines. They put on a FANTASTIC live show. Weakerthans I've seen a couple times, and they're pretty good. I've never seen Attack in Black... but it must be great.


SAT DEC 12

Patrick Watson at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
This is where I'll be on Saturday. Checking out the guy who should have taken the Polaris prize this year (Fucked Up is great, but Wooden Arms is an amazing album).


SUN DEC 13

Do Make Say Think and Ohad Benchetrit's Years at Enwave Theatre
This will be exciting. I love the Years album, it may turn up in my top 10 of the year... definitely in the top 20. And Do Make Say Think are always amazing. Really, they've been playing for decades, if you haven't seen them yet, what's wrong with you? Get out there!


MON DEC 14

Do Make Say Think, Happiness Project and Ohad Benchitrit's Years at Enwave Theatre
Oh wow. Monday night looks even more exciting! You can catch Charles Spearin's Happiness Project. I wonder how it plays live? If you haven't heard the album, the music is performed to coincide with dialogue he'd recorded of his neighbors. It definitely puts a smile on your face.


TUES DEC 15

White Christmas playing at Bloor Cinema
You know, I've never seen White Christmas... I don't know why that is. It's something I should have seen by now. Oh well, you get Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye! Get in the X-mas spirit!

This Week in Toronto Dec 3 - 9

THURS DEC 3

Matt Lennox book launch at Mitzi's Sister (7pm)
My good friend Matt Lennox has his first book of short stories out, and we'll be celebrating at Mitzi's Sister! He'll be reading as well, and the man knows how to tell a story.



FRI DEC 4

Evening Hymns CD Release at Tranzac
So, maybe you missed out on the free show Wed at Soundscapes. I did. But never you fret, you can catch this highly talked about act Friday night at Tranzac! Woo!


SAT DEC 5

Antlers and Anchors, Ronley Teper and Nick Zubeck at Tranzac
Stacked show!! Three Tranzac regulars together on one bill. I can't even pick a favorite, this whole show is going to be awesome!


SUN DEC 6

The Good Lovelies at Hugh's Room
The beautiful vocal stylings of the Good Lovelies at one of Toronto's finest venues, Hugh's Room. Yup, I just repeated the headline... but seriously, the gals are the tops.


MON DEC 7

Leon Redbone at Hugh's Room
Blues/jazz legend! One of the strangest performers in either genre, his life has been shrouded in mystery. But he has Toronto roots... Anyways, holy shit, check this guy out. He's also playing on Saturday!


TUES DEC 8

The Big Lebowski playing at Bloor Cinema 10pm
"Look, let me explain something to you. I'm not Mr. Lebowski. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. That or His Dudeness... Duder... or El Duderino, if, you know, you're not into the whole brevity thing."

WED DEC 9

Leon Redbone at Hugh's Room
Seriously, you may not get many more chances to see this guy. This week you have 3!!

This Week in Toronto Nov 26- Dec 2

Oh wow, we're almost in December! Happy end of November!!... I'm really not feeling it this week, so it's short and sweet.

THURS NOV 26

Stagehands CD Release show at Lee's Palace
I did an interview with a few of these fine folks a few months ago (read it here and here). They play an interesting blend of broadway and pop.... is it a play? is it a concert? It's both, dammit.


FRI NOV 27

Bruce Peninsula at The Music Gallery
Playing 2 nights. Saturday night you can see them with the hauntingly beautiful Ghost Bees opening.


WED DEC 2

Evening Hymns in store at Soundscapes
Great intimate way to see a great intimate act.

....and....

Bram Stoker Dracula playing at the Revue Cinema
Francis Ford Coppola's ode to the classic vampire story. An almost perfect film (Keanu Reeves? What the hell is he doing in this?!)

OK, here is the rest of this This Week in Toronto...

FRI NOV 20

Anthony D'Amato at Free Times Cafe
I posted a song of his on Monday as my track of the week (check it out here). Anthony is visiting from the Jersey/New York area. Head over to the Free Times Cafe and show him some love!


SAT NOV 21

John Sebastian at Hugh's Room
The ultimate hippy. The guy wrote the theme song for the Care Bears for christ sake. He also played Woodstock! The last I heard of him he was playing with a jug band! Awesome.


MON NOV 23

Devo at Phoenix Concert Theatre
Playing "Are We Not Men?" in it's entirety!! Yes yes YES!!! Annnnnd the following night, they'll be playing "Freedom of Choice" in it's entirety!! Wow.


TUES NOV 24

Brooke Manning at Not My Dog
I just finished an interview with Brooke last night, hopefully I can get it on the interweb by Tuesday. She's a very gifted songwriter and vocalist, a must see performance!!


WED NOV 25

Malijube at Sonic Boom FREE!!
The Montreal proggy polaris short listers are playing a free show at Sonic Boom!! 7pm yo.