Mates of State

For those looking for something to do tonight, I have two suggestions (three if you count my suggestion to go home, cuddle up in front of a TV and take a nap). First one would be a show at Sneaky Dee’s featuring Tropics, Huckleberry Friends, The Pauls and Wyrd Visions. Doors will be at 9:00 pm and cover will only cost you $5! My alternative option is an art show sponsored by Steam Whistle taking place at where else but the Steam Whistle Brewing. The event starts at 6:00 pm and features works from some amazing photographers (including Zach Slootsky, Corbin Smith, Phil Ogynist and Robert Coilfi) and also a DJ set by Lioness lead singer,Vanessa Fischer.

In other concert news…

Eleni Mandell will be at the Mod Club on March 6th.

Great Lake Swimmers will be at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 25th ($20). They have a new album coming out on March 31st entitled Lost Channels. Honestly, how is this venue? There’s so many interesting shows there of late but I have yet to go. I’m hoping to check it out Andrew Bird in April, but I would really like to hear how the venue is like. Because the last time I wasn’t properly warned about a venue, I ended up semi-stranded after a Broken Social Scene gig at the Sound Academy.

Mates of State and Black Kids will be at the Phoenix on April 10th.

The Hylozoists are going to be playing at the Mod Club on February 21st and will also be releasing their new album, L’ile de Sept Villes (Outside Music) on February 3rd.

Bloc Party added a second date at the Kool Haus on March 13th; tickets for the March 14th show are still available but it is close to being sold out.

Speaking of Bloc Party and Canadian Music Week shows, Jon Rae, Herman Dune, Basia Bulat and Cuff the Duke will all be at Lee’s Palace on March 14th. So I guess if you can’t get your hands on March 14th tickets for Bloc Party, you can go to Lee’s instead – I recommend you do.

Handsome Furs (whose upcoming album, Face Control has been pushed back from February 3rd to March 10th) are also going to be in town for CMW on March 13th at the Horseshoe.

The Friendly Fires will be in Toronto on March 31st…it’s just unsure as to whether they will be playing at Lee’s or the Mod Club. Beggars Group Canada has both venues listed.

If you feel like trekking to Guelph for the annual Hillside Fest, then you’re in luck. This year’s line up is starting to shape up really well - Stars, Sam Roberts Band, Bell Orchestre (whose upcoming album, As Seen Through Windows will be out through the band’s new label Arts & Crafts on March 10th), Great Lake Swimmers, Bedouin Soundclash, K’naan, Thunderheist, The Magic and many more (TBA).

Japanther, The Meligrove Band and Ninjasonik will be playing at Wrongbar on April 5th.

Sebastian Tellier will be at the Mod Club on April 8th.

For those hoping to attend the Pemberton Festival this year, it’s been canceled. Organizers do hope to have one for 2010 though.

Bat For Lashes will finally release a follow-up to 2007′s amazing album, Fur & Gold with an album entitledTwo Suns out on April 6th.

Neko Case has just released a new song from her upcoming album, Middle Cyclone, called “People Got A Lot of Nerve”. Listen to it here.

That will be all for now! Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody