Music
Hot Ticket: Bruce Peninsula, The Independents, Curren$y, Joe Pug, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Ha Ha Tonka
Live music picks for THURSDAY MAY 24 through MONDAY MAY 28, 2012.THURSDAY MAY 24 / BRUCE PENINSULA / THE GREAT HALL / 1087 QUEEN W / $12 - $15 / ALL AGES
Drop everything you're doing and go to this show. Trust me, you won't regret it, because Bruce Peninsula is quite simply one of the most astounding acts I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. It's difficult to even tag them with a genre--they blend elements ranging from gospel, folk, rock, country, and a mess of others. This is a band that deserves your attention, and you won't regret giving it to them.
Music
Hot Ticket: PS I Love You, Old Man Luedecke, Del Barber, Ron Sexsmith, The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Rocky Votolato, Jeff Pianki
Live music picks for TUESDAY MAY 15 through SATURDAY MAY 19, 2012.TUESDAY MAY 15 / PS I LOVE YOU / THE GARRISON / 1197 DUNDAS W / $10.50 / 19+
This is as polarizing a band as you're ever going to find, and on a personal level, I'm not even entirely sure what I think of them. On the one hand, PS I Love You is made up of two clearly talented musicians. And they're from Kingston, which is only a stone's throw away from Toronto, so it's nice to see some borderline-local boys enjoy some success. But on the other hand, their music is...well, it is what it is. I'm not going to pass judgment on it, as I truly believe that you should give it a listen. We'll have an in-depth look at the band later this week. Stay tuned.
Music
Hot Ticket: Rusko, Sigma, Never Shout Never, Koji, Dave Gunning, Wildlife, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Fool's Gold
Live music picks for TUESDAY MAY 8 through SUNDAY MAY 13, 2012.TUESDAY MAY 8 / RUSKO / THE SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $29 / 19+
A rave on a Tuesday night? I think some folks won't be making it to work after this jam. Rusko, who is at the forefront of the never-ending dubstep movement, will surely be dropping some dirty beats and nasty wobbles. Personally, I think the highlight of this night will be Sigma - if you're a fan of drum and bass, you already know who they are and what they're capable of. The Sound Academy is sure to be rammed for this one.
Music
Hot Ticket: Alcoholic Faith Mission, You Won't, Future Islands, The Milk Carton Kids, Spiritualized, M83
Live music picks for WEDNESDAY MAY 2 through MONDAY APRIL 6, 2012.WEDNESDAY MAY 2 / ALCOHOLIC FAITH MISSION / THE DRAKE HOTEL / 1150 QUEEN W / $15 / 19+
There's something to be said about a band that takes the road less traveled when it comes to making their music. This is what sets Alcoholic Faith Mission apart from other indie rock bands - much of their music is composed with random household items standing in for instruments. It's a bit gimmicky, and it was much more prevalent in their earlier work, but it's still an interesting experiment. I can't speak on how it translates at a live show, but it should be unique, if nothing else. You Won't will offer support.
Music
Hot Ticket: Chiddy Bang, Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O., The Phantom Family Halo, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sleigh Bells, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Horse Feathers
Live music picks for WEDNESDAY APRIL 25 through SUNDAY APRIL 29, 2012.WEDNESDAY APRIL 25 / CHIDDY BANG / THE HOXTON / 69 BATHURST / $25 / 19+
I've been a fan of hip-hop for over ten years, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that Philadelphia, for whatever reason, is the home of some of the most talented MCs in the game. Up-and-coming duo Chiddy Bang is no different. Made up of Chidera Anamege and Noah Beresin, their music is a fusion of hip-hop and alt-rock, and while it's certainly unusual, it works. They recently released their debut album, Breakfast, and appear poised to continue their ascension.
Music
Hot Ticket: The Kaiser Chiefs, Chain and the Gang, Actual Water, These Days, Death Cab For Cutie, The Wooden Sky, The Sun Parlour Players, Evening Hymns
Live music picks for TUESDAY APRIL 17 through SUNDAY APRIL 22, 2012.TUESDAY APRIL 17 / THE KAISER CHIEFS / THE OPERA HOUSE / 735 QUEEN E / $45.50 / ALL AGES
They've been gone for a minute, but now they're back. The Kaiser Chiefs were on a bit of a hiatus for the last three years, and it's safe to say that their show at the Opera House will showcase the fact that the band hasn't missed a step. They first came into prominence in the mid-2000s, and in my estimation, remain one of the better bands to come out of jolly old England in recent memory. Should be a great show, and dare I say....I predict a riot? (Sorry, couldn't help myself).


