Posts Tagged ‘dirty projectors’

The Singing Lamb’s 12 Days of Lists – Day 10: Melody’s Favourite Shows of 2009

December 22nd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

As much as I make a big fuss about writing year-end lists and the joys of compiling your favourites of the year, I actually find it to be a very difficult thing to do. Part of the reason why I found it hard this year was the vast amount of good music I’ve listened to; narrowing down my very favourites became more difficult than choosing which chef to root for on Top Chef (admit it, you kind of liked everyone in the final four). And once that’s decided, the writing process just gets trickier because now that you’ve chosen the best you really want to make sure you can get it across to the readers just how much you loved these albums, shows, bands, etc.

The following 9 shows (yes, I’m going with the oh-so-witty approach of doing ‘Top 9’ lists this year) were the ones that truly blew me away, gave me the chills, and left me wanting more.

1. The Dirty Projectors, TuneYards @ Opera House – November 14

The Dirty Projectors on record hadn’t impressed me much before and it wasn’t till I saw them at Lee’s back in July that I was officially converted into intense Dirty Projectors fandom. Following said show, I had their latest album Bitte Orca on heavy rotation and it seemed like every other word that came out of my mouth was “I love the Dirty Projectors!” So not only was this show at the Opera House one of my most anticipated shows of the year but also the one that delivered the most. Opening for the Brooklyn art-rockers was Montreal’s TuneYards, an act of whom I had been beating myself up for missing since May of this year. Not only did TuneYards front woman Merrill Garbus steal the show but she left me speechless, literally with my jaw down and staring at the stage in complete awe. Garbus’ use of looping vocals and instruments built an incredible room of sound that just blew everyone away, sending the crowd into a paralyzed state of disbelief or in a crazed state of dancing. The Dirty Projectors were equally as mind-blowing, giving yet another amazing performance of unbelievably flawless vocals (delivered by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle and Amber Coffman – hailed as the Mariah Careys of indie-rock) and some of the tightest, most astonishing musicianship today. Can’t appreciate a band like the Dirty Projectors? See them live; almost guaranteed to convert even the coldest of indie hearts. Hands-down, the best show of 2009 from the best pairing of artists.

2. Broken Social Scene @ Harbourfront – July 11

I think it’s apparent from my list last year of best shows that I’m a fan of Broken Social Scene. Always was, always will be. So it really shouldn’t be shocking that my favourite Toronto collective is back on this list this year. Unfortunately I had missed BSS at Harbourfront back in 2004 but thanks to the cancelation of this year’s Olympic Island festival (regularly held by the folks of BSS), the band returned to the Sirius Satellite Radio Stage for a free show…yes, free. Needless to say, the place was packed, all the way to the edge of the water; I’m sure if people were desperate enough, they’d be watching the show on a boat. But it wasn’t because this was a packed show or because it was free that won me over; the spectacle of a Broken Social Scene show that wins me over every time is the band itself. And in this instance, we were all treated to a reunion of the lead female vocalists (Amy Millan, Emily Haines and Leslie Feist) and what ensued was clearly the best performance the band has given in a very long time. Hearing from several members days, weeks, even months after the show, they knew it was a magical moment that night and the most important thing is that everyone had fun. And what’s a show without an equal amount of great musicianship and fun. (video by staff photographer, Stephanie Luong)

3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Kool Haus – August 5

Okay I’ll admit, Karen O is my idol and I kind of worship the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So yes, I’ve been waiting for this show for many, many years. But don’t get me wrong, if this show sucked, it wouldn’t have made this list. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are known for their highly energetic performances and that is exactly what I got. Lead singer Karen O is one of the most entertaining musicians I’ve ever seen onstage, running frantically around (in her signature Christian Joy costume), even lending the mic to the audience during “Cheated Hearts”. One thing I remembered thinking throughout the night was “Man, she just doesn’t stop smiling. I love it!” Underneath the wild leather jackets, capes and makeup, regardless of where you are in the venue, you can see the sincerity in Karen O’s face. Guitarist Nick Zinner still remains to be one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen and even though Karen O takes centre stage, Zinner and drummer Brian Chase were the musical gems of the night. Albeit it was at a venue I’m not crazy about but for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I’d even trek to the Sound Academy. On a sidenote, I went to this show injured; that’s how much of a fan I am of this band. I went with a busted ankle and left limping (for several weeks, actually).

4. Everything All The Time, The Magic, The Balconies @ Horseshoe – August 26

Could that line-up be any more awesome? Three of my favourite local acts under one roof, I’d kill to see this line-up again and again. As much as big extravaganzas at the Kool Haus or Harbourfront were amazing, a show like this one, celebrating the release of Everything All The Time’s EP, was just equally as incredible. It almost goes without saying anymore that I love the Balconies and both live and on record, they consistently blow me away. This show marked the first time I finally got to see them live and they didn’t disappoint. Strong dynamics and vocals between brother-sister duo Steve and Jacquie Neville, backed by the drumming talents of Liam Jaeger, it is almost alarming how talented these guys are for such a young band. I think Bob Battams of It’s Not the Band I Hate Its Their Fans says it best: “Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever.” The Magic, another band I’ve consistently watched throughout the year, is just packed with a ridiculous roster of talent and onstage, they’re a band that I want to see more of every time. Everything All The Time has seriously become on of my favourite bands of the year. Their unique brand of electro-pop meets Diana Ross is infectious and nothing makes me happier than listening to the band’s EP. From playing a headlining show at the Horseshoe to opening for Thunderheist at the Mod Club, EATT never disappoints.

5. Think About Life @ everywhere – throughout the year.

I’m breaking the rules for this one. Think About Life is quite possibly one of the most exciting, most exhilarating and most fun bands I’ve seen in years. These guys are just so phenomenal live that I couldn’t pick out one specific show of theirs I fell in love with because to be honest, I fall in love with them every time I see them. From confetti to balloons, these guys pull out all the tricks live but it doesn’t come off as cliché, in fact it heightens every performance to a new level and you really just feel like you’re part of the party. If you go to a Think About Life show and you don’t dance, you have no soul. Okay, that’s a little harsh – you have a soul; there’s definitely something wrong with you though. How does one not dance to Think About Life? I need some serious answers.

6. No Shame 100 feat. Green Go, Ruby Coast, Pick A Piper, The Skeletons Four @ Horseshoe – September 18

This show was literally one of the best parties of the year. Great music, great people, an amazing and lovely promoter – what more can you ask for? Green Go was, without a doubt, the band of the year for me. I had voted Green Go number one for my list of ‘Hottest Bands in Canada ’09’ for i(heart)music but seeing as how they somehow didn’t make it on the list, here’s my little blurb about them:

“Rarely do I discover a band that I can watch and listen to over and over again without getting sick of but Green Go definitely has a spot on that list. Having seen them seven times in 2009, I’m still left wanting more as the band just gets better with each performance. With the release of their debut album, Borders and a slew of tour dates everywhere across the country, this was clearly the year of Green Go. Simply put, the hottest Canadian band of ’09 – and deservingly so.”

7. Timber Timbre, Emma McKenna @ Church of Redeemer – July 17

I’m a big fan of church shows and you couldn’t get more perfect than having Timber Timbre play at the Church of Redeemer this year. The entire evening was a subdued, relaxed affair and even though energetic shows can be fun and exciting, I find shows like this one equally as exciting and enjoyable. Taylor Kirk’s hauntingly beautiful voice, backed up by a band which included Forest City Lovers violinist Mika Posen filled the room remarkably well. Every song crept around the church in a slow, almost mesmerizing manner. It’s almost impossible for me to Timber Timbre in any other type of atmosphere anymore.

8. Beirut, The Dodos @ Phoenix – July 9

This was my first time seeing Beirut and The Dodos and since this was a last minute opportunity to see both bands, I almost died of excitement. I almost prefer the Dodos live as opposed to on record because seeing the dynamics and musicianship of lead singer Meric Long is great. As for Beirut, I’m still pretty speechless from their live performance. Just watch the video below and tell me you’re not in love with Zac Condon. (You can’t do it!)

9. The Singing Lamb Launch Party feat. Hexes & Ohs, The Winter Gloves, Green Go, Sports The Band, Maylee Todd @ Tranzac – January 10

You didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you?

***

Honourable mentions to: Parlovr, Diamond Rings, Bruce Peninsula, The Happiness Project, Ruby Jean & The Thoughtful Bees, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Thunderheist, Jenn Grant, Katie Stelmanis, The Ruby Suns, Julie Doiron, Ume, Woodhands, and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers.

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The Singing Lamb’s 12 Days of Lists – Day 9: Lauren’s Top Picks of 2009

December 21st, 2009 | By: Guest Contributor

No Shame promoter Lauren Schreiber shares her favourite songs of 2009!

Think About Life – Johanna

This song was on repeat the entire 6 hour drive back from Pop Montreal. The addition of Caila to the band was brilliant – that girl has pipes like whoa and gives 100% every time. TAL has gone from my favourite live band to my favourite much music video dance party; I’m regressing, and I love it.

Thunderheist – Jerk It

What can i say? Isis is young, sexy and the song is catchy as shit. It’s like peaches, only I feel really hot listening to it, instead of just dirty.

Green Go – Put Your Specs On Boy

GG are old hat to me – I feel like this album has been out for about twelve years. But the fact that I’ve heard their songs for ages shouldn’t touch the fact that they are great… really really great songs from a really really great album. Get a drink in me and put this on, and I still squeal THEY’RE PLAYING MY SONG! Every time.

Everything All The Time – Lazy Days

Britney and Beyonce move over. Catchy as fuck quality pop has a new face, and it’s EATT. Welcome to the only indie pop band I know who has a real singer. Plus I love each and everyone of them… just delightful people.

Sports The Band – Castlots

Between the harmonies and the basslines and the interband drama, I always forget just how good Sports are. Until I walk into a room where they’re onstage and all I can do is beam.

Dirty Projectors – Remade Horizon

I had to move to the front of the sold out room to understand exactly what the hell was happening. Is it a keyboard? A guitar? No… its vocals. Wait, what?! Motown in a meatgrinder – groundbreaking.

Gentleman Reg – You Can’t Get It Back

Either you like his voice or you don’t, but there’s no denying guy can write a song. It’s like I couldn’t pick between my favourite frontman, and my favourite front woman, so I got both. Reg is sassy like a pop diva, he’s the best of all worlds.

Pick A Piper – Rooms

You’re a summer festival, you’re a boy with slight B.O., you’re a joint rolled in cinnamon rolling paper. I love you, let’s stare at the stars.

Akron/Family – Everyone is Guilty

I drove to Hamilton to see these guys because I’m didn’t grab tickets to their sold out 2 night stand at Sneaky Dees with Born Ruffians. Worth It.

Animal Collective – Brother Sport

Every time Fez from Green Go spins this at a party, I get all ‘This is great! Who IS this?’ And it’s always Animal Collective. I actually bought this album in a store. This is significant.

Patrick Watson – Beijing

When his first album came out, I described my heart school heartthrob as creating music that sounds like Montreal. Cinematic, decadent, urgent and idiosyncratic. And endlessly romantic. Somewhere between the pots and pan percussion and the lush string arrangements is my hometown.

Portico – The Battle of Duck Lake

My favourite songs of the 90s are reborn in this CBC radio 3 hit.

The Darcys – The CN Tower Belongs To The Dead

Sure it’s a cover, but what a cover! This is how you do covers, people, pay attention. Just listen to that guitar solo! This is a cover enough to build an entire tour around… which is exactly what they did. I expect big things from The Darcys in 2010.

Great Bloomers – Speak of Trouble

Full disclosure; I manage these guys. But there’s a reason – they are The Band as arranged by Queen, epic twangy roots rock with charm and soul for miles. The album is a slow burn – I like it more with each listen, and young frontman Lowell Sostomi will be writing songs for the rest of his life. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.

Evening Hymns – Dead Deer

I had to wait a year from the first time I heard these songs until the album was released. They almost didn’t make the 2009 cut off… Jonas! Way to build suspense. As expected, you were worth the wait.

Peter Wolf Crier – Down Down Down

A last minute discovery and one I’m still digesting. But the Minneapolis duo’s superlative Inter-Be may be my favourite album of the year.

Wooden Sky – Oh My God (It Still Means A Lot To Me)

For petty personal reasons, I REALLY didn’t want to love this album. But I do, and how. My opinion of Gavin Gardiner remains the same as the first time I heard him open his mouth… it’s a crime he’s not famous worldwide yet – every teenage girl should be mooning around her bedroom to this.

Wilderness of Manitoba – Evening

I wasn’t expecting to find one of my favourite albums in a backyard shed on Delaware street north of Bloor, but I did. And even though the music was coming from people I already knew and loved, I never could have predicted the delicate beauty of this album. Wilderness of Manitoba give me hope.

Timber Timbre – Demon Host

His Halifax pop showcase was legitimately frightening. Taylor’s talent is otherworldly…

NOTES

I would have included the Rural Alberta Advantage, Olenka and The Autumn Lovers, Tune Yards and Parlovr, but though they really saw acclaim this past year, their albums were originally released in 2008. And I would’ve included Bruce Peninsula, but I doan’t think the recording of Mountain is a Mouth , lovely as it is, reflects how magnificent they really are.

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The Dirty Projectors @ Lee’s – July 22, 2009

July 25th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Photo Credit: Stereogum

Photo Credit: Stereogum

After the initial scare last month with Brooklyn’s Dirty Projectors last minute cancellation of their Toronto and Montreal dates due to a serious car-accident on the road, last night’s show at Lee’s was not only a joyous make-up show, but a huge sigh of relief to see that the band is well recovered from the incident and still kicking ass live.

If one thought The Dirty Projectors were great on record, their live performance was a whole new level of greatness. On record, The Dirty Projectors illustrate stunning art musically through its sharp guitar riffs, off-beat art-rock cool and some of the most impressive male and female vocals I’ve heard in years. Yet on record, this sound feels trapped in a state of two-dimensionality.

Live, the band punches through to a whole new dimension. Everything feels more chaotic, but in a positive, concentrated manner – good chaos for the ears. Guitars were more electric, energy was higher and the audience was eating up every minute of this. Whether this was their first time ever listening to the band or their fifth time seeing the band live, everyone at Lee’s last night was mesmerized.

In my strange attempt at summarizing and using metaphors, the Dirty Projectors on record is like a great children’s novel, but a live show by The Dirty Projectors is like a mind-blowing pop up book; you can’t help but be amazed every time.

Highlights included the romantic opener, “Two Doves” featuring Angel Deradoorian and Dave Longstreth and the truly astonishing harmonies of “Remade Horizon”. In the words of a friend of mine who had never heard the band (live or on record), “Are those girls singing that part? No way; that is unbelievable. I have to call my boyfriend so he can hear this! They’d have to be twins to do that.” – and she did, in fact, call her boyfriend afterwards, with a look of bewilderment permanently painted on her face for the rest of the night; as everyone else surely was as well. I now deem that the “Dirty Projectors” look.

For more of the Dirty Projectors,

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dirtyprojectors

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Show Announcements!

July 7th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Emma McKenna

Emma McKenna

Art Brut @ Lee’s (July 9th, $17.50, 19+)
Amazing Baby @ Drake (August 4th, $13.00, 19+)
Passion Pit @ Phoenix (August 11th, $15.00, 19+)
School of Seven Bells @ Lee’s (October 15th, $13.50, 19+)
Mum @ Opera House (October 27th, $20.00, 19+)
The Cave Singers, Lightning Dust @ Horseshoe (September 14th, $12.00, 19+)
Bishop Morocco, Josh Reichmann (solo), Jaime Sin, Mikey Apples @ Whippersnapper (July 11th, $5.00)
Timber Timbre, Emma McKenna @ Church of the Redeemer (July 17th, $15.00, ALL-AGES)
The Starlight Mints @ Horseshoe (August 9th, $9.00, 19+)
The Minus 5, The Baseball Project, The Steve Wynn IV @ Drake (September 13th, $13.50, 19+)
Sleepy Sun @ Drake (September 21st, $10.00, 19+)
The Watchmen @ Horseshoe (September 25-26, $20.00, 19+)
Friendly Fires (DJ Set) @ The Social (August 10th, 19+)

For fans of Nirvana the Band the Show, this is it. It’s the show’s last episode coming up and to celebrate, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarol will finally get to play a show at the Rivoli on July 31st. Tickets go on sale this week at Rotate; hurry though, they’re limited! And as if that’s not exciting enough, there’s also “secret musical guests”.

Modest Mouse has added a second Toronto show at the Sound Academy on August 22nd. Tickets are $30.00; ALL-AGES.

The Hold Steady has also added a second Toronto show at Lee’s on September 26th. Tickets are $21.50; 19+. Still Life Stll will open.

The Dirty Projectors have rescheduled their cancelled Toronto show to July 22nd. Tickets to this show will be on sale this Thursday.

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News Update!

June 9th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot will return to Toronto this fall! The band will play at Lee’s on September 11th; tickets are $13.50 and will go on sale this Thursday. This is a 19+ show.

Pink Mountaintops will be playing an in-store at Sonic Boom this Sunday, June 14th! The in-store will take place at 3:00 pm and is completely free! But if you miss out, make sure to catch his set later that night at the Horseshoe, with openers Great Aunt Ida and Megan Hamilton. Tickets are still on sale right now for $11.50.

Gaslight Anthem, Murder By Death, Jesse Malin, and Broadway Calls will be at the Kool Haus on October 3rd Tickets are $21.50 and this will be an all ages show.

A new Yo La Tengo song is out now! “Periodically Double or Triple” (from their upcoming album Popular Songsout September 9) can be streamed and downloaded here.

Great Bloomers will be playing a free show this Saturday at the Audio Recording Academy, as part of AUX TV’s Secret Sessions at Tara! For more information on this event, and many more upcoming shows, click here.

The Entrance Band will open for Sonic Youth at Massey Hall on June 30th.

Amanda Mabro will be at the Rivoli this Wednesday, along with special guest Darrelle London! Tickets are available at the door for $10.00; make sure you check it out!

You Ain’t No Picasso interviews Angel Deradoorian of the Dirty Projectors. Read more here! The band will be in town on June 24th for a show at Lee’s with Skeletons; tickets are still on sale now but hurry, they’re almost sold out!

Tegan and Sara have recently relaunched their website. Check it out here! You can’t actually hear any of their new tunes yet, but you can watch a video of Tegan Quin and album producer Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) listening to it! Their upcoming album will be released in October.

The Rural Alberta Advantage needs your help! The newest Saddle Creek members are looking for donations for an upcoming seven inch record, featuring reworked material from their record, Hometowns (which will be re-released on July 7th via Saddle Creek). Click here to watch a video from the band and donate now!

And finally, congrats to Lisa T. for winning our Yellow Bird Project T-Shirt contest! Our lovely winner walked away with a shirt designed by the National!

Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody

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News Update!

June 3rd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Destroyer

Destroyer

As we all know, The Dirty Projectors’ upcoming album Bitte Orca is among one of the most anticipated albums of the summer (and for good reason). Well now you can stream it all on NPR! Click here to listen. For those who missed them last night, opening for TV on the Radio, you can still catch them at Lee’s on June 24th, with Skeletons! Tickets are still on sale now (barely) for $13.50; this is a 19+ show.

This may be looking too far ahead on your planner but mark your calendars now: Destroyer will be at the Horseshoe on October 3rd! Tickets will be $13.50 and this will be a 19+ show.

Other Show Announcements:
Now Now Every Children, Bad Veins @ El Mocambo (August 2nd, $10.00, 19+)
Adam Franklin and the Bolts of Melody @ Elm Mocambo (July 6th, $10.00, 19+)
Future of the Left @ El Mocambo (July 15th, $10.00, 19+)
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club @ Lee’s (July 20th, $8.50, 19+)
Bert Jansch, Alasdair Roberts @ Horseshoe (August 5th, $16.50, 19+)
40OZ of Freedom @ Lee’s (August 17th, $13.50, 19+)
Mono, Maserati @ Lee’s (October 2nd, 19+)

Peaches has a new video out for “Lose You,” from her latest release I Feel Cream. Watch here.

It seems like lately, Regina Spektor’s been releasing videos and tracks from her upcoming album Far left and right. Well to add to the list, she has a new video out for “Eet” (watch here) and you can stream “Folding Chair” on her MySpace now (click here)!

Lioness has a new video out for “You’re My Heart.” Watch here! Also, you can catch them live at this year’s NXNE, on Wednesday June 17th at the Drake, along with Woodhands, The D’urbervilles, J.J. Ispen and many more! Lioness’ set will be at 11:30 pm.

Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody

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News Update!

May 20th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

The Dirty Projectors

The Dirty Projectors

It kills me that I have to pass on TV on the Radio and The Dirty Projectors in June, but I’ve sworn off the Sound Academy since my last excursion (with some exceptions, of course). Bad news is that I’ll miss TV on the Radio for sure, but good news is that the Dirty Projectors will return later that month for a show at Lee’s with Skeletons on June 24th!

Other show announcements:
Abe Vigoda, Talbot Tagora @ El Mocambo (July 22nd, $10.00, 19+)
New York Dolls @ Lee’s (June 30th, $29.50, 19+)
Fake Problems @ Sneaky Dee’s (July 7th, $10.00, 19+)
Bowerbirds, Megafaun @ Sneaky Dee’s (July 14th, $11.50, 19+)
Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals, Fireworks, Swellers, Gravemaker @ Reverb (July 18th, $16.00, 19+)
The Datsuns @ Horseshoe (July 20th, $15.00, 19+)
White Lies @ Phoenix (September 26th)
St. Vincent @ Lee’s (August 8th, 19+)
Underworld @ Kool Haus (August 11th)
The Rural Alberta Advantage @ Horseshoe (July 30th, 19+)
Tokyo Police Club, Winter Gloves @ CNE Bandshell (August 29th)

Ruby Coast is slated to play at the Horseshoe on June 20th; most likely as part of NXNE. No Age has also been confirmed to be playing at Lee’s on June 19th for NXNE.

St. Vincent recently released a bonus track to her latest release, Actor. To listen to “Bicycle”, click here.

Another new Regina Spektor track has been released from her upcoming album. “Blue Lips” can be streamedhere. Far will be released on June 22nd.

An Horse has a new video out for “Camp Out”. Watch here.

And last but not least, congratulations to Gonzales for officially breaking the record for longest concert! Read more about it here!

Happy listening!

Musically,
Melody

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News Update!

May 7th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Malajube

Malajube

Again, I apologize for the delay this month! But alas, the Lamb is up and running and here’s some news from the past week!

Malajube will be back in town for a free show at Lee’s on June 12th, with openers Hollerado. According to Rootsmeansquare, tickets are available now at Rotate This and Soundscapes, so grab one now! If not, tickets will also be at the door. This is a 19+ show. As to why it’s free, I don’t know but I’m not one to refuse a free show.

Other show announcements:
Maps & Atlases @ El Mocambo (June 7th, $10.50, 19+)
Sonic Youth @ Massey Hall (June 30th, $36.50-48.50, ALL AGES *On sale Saturday; presale on now)
Torche, Harvey Milk @ Lee’s (July 23rd, $13.50, 19+)
Fleet Foxes, Dungen @ Massey Hall (August 4th, $32.50-38.50, ALL AGES * On sale Friday, presale on now)
Casiokids @ El Mocambo (August 5th, 19+)
John Vanderslice, Cotton Jones @ Horseshoe (July 10th, 19+)
Deer Tick, Dawes @ Horseshoe (July 17th, 19+)
Elvis Costello @ Massey Hall (August 28th, ALL AGES)
Maximo Park @ Lee’s (September 18th, 19+)
Kylie Minogue @ Air Canada Centre (October 9th, ALL AGES)
Place Hands, The Guest Bedroom, The Rescue, Fall of Heroes @ the Matty Eckler CRC (June 12th, $5.00, ALL AGES)
Apostle of Hustle, CCMC @ The Music Gallery (May 28th, $33.33, ALL AGES, *as part of The Music Gallery’s 33 1/3rd Birthday Fundraiser)
Evening Hymns, The Youngest @ Tranzac Front Room (June 5th, PWYC, 19+)

This year’s Pride Week is shaping up quite well, musically-speaking. Artists, including Islands, Gentlemam Reg, Esthero, OPOPO, Mansion and more will be performing free sets during the festivities at various stages in the city. For full listings and schedules, click here.

Regina Spektor’s new album Far is set to be released on June 22nd.

The Beastie Boys have a new song out called “Lee Majors Come Again” Listen to it here.

Bat For Lashes recently performed “Daniel” from her latest release Two Suns on Letterman. Watch it here.

Kids on TV, Gentleman Reg and Katie Stelmanis will all be playing short sets at the Inside Out Film Fest: Local Heroes Party on May 20th. This will be taking place at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

For those dying to pick up The Dirty Projectors’ new album Bitte Orca on June 9th, your fantastic choices of formats are CD, LP, MP3 and now cassette! Both cassettes and LPs will include codes for mp3s downloads.

Also, stream Deradoorian’s Mind Raft EP on Muxtape now!

And to cap things off, Gonzales will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for playing the longest concert ever; 27 hours on May 18th. You’ll be able to stream the whole show on his website here. Good luck, Gonzo!

Happy Listening!

Musically,
Melody

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News Update!

March 24th, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Deradoorian

Deradoorian

It always sucks to read about events that you missed out on but there wasn’t much I could do about this year’s SXSW. I will begin planning my hitchhiking plans for next year though; something along the lines of when Sideshow Bob hung on for his dear life to the bottom of the Simpsons’ car in that one episode. Okay, maybe I need to work on my plan a bit.

Even though I missed out on amazing acts such as PJ Harvey, Camera Obscura and Dinosaur Jr. the band that I was most excited to read about was Toronto’s very own Rural Alberta Advantage (of which a blog accidentally called the Royal Alberta Advantage). Something tells me that the trio’s appearance at this year’s festivities will mark the beginning of something big. Already, they’re receiving fantastic praise from Pitchfork,Brooklyn Vegan and Paste Magazine and now everyone is asking the big question: Why are these guys not signed yet? Even Pitchfork has said “This band could be huge.” Well The RAA are already huge to me, but Pitchfork is right – they are going to be bigger. Congrats, guys!

In other news…

Passion Pit has cancelled their upcoming Canadian tour, so please disregard my news yesterday about Ruby Coast. That is a bummer. (Thanks to nowhere for the tip)

Camera Obscura is going to be back in town on June 27th at Lee’s Palace.

Gregory and the Hawk will be at the El Mocambo on May 2nd.

Metric will be making an appearance (and performing) at The Edge 102.1 studios (228 Yonge St.) on April 14th (the same day their new album, Fantasies will be released). They will also be making an in-store appearance at the HMV Superstore (on Yonge, near Dundas) on April 9th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. And last but not least, according to ‘For the Records’, Metric and Holy Fuck are apparently going to be at the Mod Club on April 14th (via Beggars Group Canada) but there has been no mention of this elsewhere. I’ll keep you posted; if this is actually true though, it sounds very exciting!

Holy Fuck will be playing a free show this summer at Harbourfront, as part of the annual Beats, Breaks and Cultures Festival on July 10th.

John Richman and Vic Chesnutt will be at The Great Hall on June 25th.

Jay Reatard will be at the Mod Club on June 29th.

Deradoorian has a new song out called “You Carry The Deed”. Listen to it here!

More of a Dirty Projectors fan than Deradoorian? Well you can listen to their recent set at SXSW here!

Buck 65 has formed a new band called Bike For Three! The band will consist of the MC himself and Belgium’sJoelle Phuong Minh Le (Greeting From Tuskan). Read more about it here.

i(heart)music is offering up live mp3′s of Hannah Georgas’ recent Radio 2 concert. Download it here!

The French Kicks will be at the Horseshoe on April 27th. Tickets are $11.50.

According to their MySpace, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees will be back in town on June 17th and 18th for NXNE. Excellent!

And for those in Mississauga (because I know you’re out there, reading this), the Mississauga Waterfront Festival will be taking place June 19-21 (unfortunately the same time frame as NXNE) this year at Port Credit Memorial Park. The first night will include Sam Roberts and Kathleen Edwards, with Spoons and 54-40 on the second and Bruce Cockburn and Hunter & Collectors’ Mark Seymour on the third.

And playing on Canada Day in M-town will be the one and only Sloan. Pending on the line up for Harbourfront’s Canada Day festivities (as I’m there EVERY year), I may actually be in Mississauga this year. Wow. (Again, thanks to ‘For the Records’ for the news)

Happy listening!

Musically,

Melody

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Lamb-cation!

March 3rd, 2009 | By: Melody Lau

Young Galaxy

Young Galaxy

Lame phrase, but I like it.

As you can guess, The Singing Lamb is going to take a tiny, miniscule break from the site! Lambs have school work to catch up on too, you know! And don’t worry, by “Singing Lamb”, I just mean me (Melody). The rest of the staff should still be around, posting exciting news and features for everyone! And by “break”, I mean I’ll only be gone for 2 week, max! I’ll still send news updates over to others to post up so don’t worry, the News Updates will still be around!

May as well leave you with some fantastic news updates though!

Breaking news: Death Cab For Cutie will be at the Sound Academy on Sunday April 5th. This is an all-ages show and it’s a pricy one too – $40.50. But as a good side note, Ra Ra Riot and Cold War Kids will be opening.

The Vivian Girls are back, with Crystal Antlers, at the Horseshoe on May 8th.

The Dirty Projectors are opening for TV on the Radio on June 2nd at the Sound Academy. All-ages, $22.50, doors at 8:00 pm.

Lady Sovereign will be at Lee’s Palace on May 1st. 19+, $20.00, doors at 9:00 pm.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart return to Toronto on April 28th at Lee’s Palace. 19+, $10.00, doors at 8:00 pm.

Opening for Passion Pit on their rescheduled show at Lee’s Palace on April 3rd will be Cale Parks and Paper Route. 19+, $10.00, doors at 9:00 pm.

Murder By Death will play the Horseshoe on April 16th. 19+, $13.50, doors at 8:30 pm.

Hollywood Undead and Madina Lake will be at the Phoenix on April 23rd. All-ages, $18.50, doors at 7:30 pm.

Spinal Tap will be at Massey Hall on May 21st – but “Unwigged and Unplugged”. Read more here.

Lonely Dear will be at the Rivoli on May 8th.

Ohbijou’s April 18th show at the Opera House has been postponed as well as its release date. Further details TBA.

And last but not least, Montreal’s Young Galaxy have finally announced a new album! A release date has not been decided on yet but we do know that the new album is called Invisible Republic and the band has a new single out called “Long Live the Fallen World”. The song is fantastic; a slight departure from their debut self-titled album, but still possesses dreamy pop elements, fused with danceable beats and beautiful vocals from Catherine McCandless. To download the track right now, go to their website! The band will preview their new material on tour so I recommend you check out their set at the Horseshoe during CMW (March 14th, as part of Chartattack’s showcase)! Also, look out for a follow-up interview with lead singer, Stephen Ramsay soon!

See you soon and don’t forget – happy listening!

Musically,
Melody

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