Toronto concert picks for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18th through TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24th, 2009.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18 / PEACHES / PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE ST / $24.50 / 19+
Toronto's own Merrill Nisker has been releasing unabashedly eclectic albums under the name PEACHES for almost a decade now, coupling her electroclash music with a fearless stage persona and plenty of vulgarity and spontaneity. Her most recent effort I Feel Cream features production help from some huge names in electronic music including SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, SOULWAX and DIGITALISM. Philly native and frequent SPANK ROCK collaborator AMANDA BLANK will open, touring in support of her debut album I Love You, which features additional production from DIPLO and DAVE SITEK of TV ON THE RADIO.
peachesrocks.com
myspace.com/amandablank

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 / ANDRE WILLIAMS & THE SADIES / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN ST W / $15 / 19+
THE SADIES have released a dozen albums in the past decade, often branching out on their own but just as frequently playing as the backing band for an array of artists including NEKO CASE, JOHN DOE and Alabama blues legend ANDRE WILLIAMS. It's been ten years since the release of the WILLIAMS/SADIES Red Dirt LP, but the pairing will reunite at the Shoe on Thursday for what's sure to be a night of soulful country and blues. Montreal's BLOODSHOT BILL and local blues rockers CATL will open.
thesadies.net
bloodshotrecords.com/andre-williams
bloodshotbill.com
myspace.com/catlmusic

In this edition: Paper Bag Records give away a free digital covers compilation, Zeus announce debut album details, Feist collaborates with Beck and Wilco, details about Bookie's free Arts & Crafts special tonight at the Shoe, the Meligrove Band catch the swine flu, Constantines add a third date at Lee's, the partial line-up for the 3rd annual Hillside Inside is announced, and info on a slew of upcoming vinyl releases from Fucked Up.

Plus: free downloads from Justin Rutledge, the Most Serene Republic and Mike Duguay, as well as a mixture of new music videos and recent live footage from k-os, Pick a Piper, Blue Rodeo, the Diableros, Born Ruffians (new song), and the Wilderness of Manitoba.

Friday night's all local show at Lee's featured a handful of mellow tracks from Brian Borcherdt, the debut of Fields of Fur, an uplifting performance from Hooded Fang and a headline set from The Wooden Sky featuring a slew of guest musicians from around the city. The show served as a long overdue release party for their sophomore effort If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone, released a few months back through Black Box.

The night started with Holy Fuck's Brian Borcherdt strumming and singing into the microphone from a distance. His laid back brand of electric folk is quiet and unassuming, and he managed to silence the crowd for the better part of his set. Julie Fader made an appearance, lending her voice to a pair of songs.

Live music picks for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 through TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2009.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 / PETER, BJORN & JOHN / PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE ST / $20 / 19+
Swedish breakout act PETER BJORN AND JOHN bring their melodic brand of indie-pop to the Phoenix in support of their latest full length Living Things. In the last year, they've been sampled by Kanye, collaborated with Toronto's own Drake and released a remix album featuring the likes of Wale, GZA and 88 Keys. Joining them is fellow Swede Sarah Assbring, who has been releasing lo-fi indie-pop records under the moniker EL PERRO DEL MAR since late 2003.
peterbjornandjohn.com
myspace.com/elperrodelmar

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 / J. TILLMAN / HORSESHOE / 368 QUEEN ST W / $13.50 / 19+
Seattle-based folk singer/songwriter JOSHUA TILLMAN steps aside from his day job as a member of FLEET FOXES to embark on a solo tour in support of his most recent album, Year in the Kingdom. Joining Josh is his brother ZACH TILLMAN with his indie-folk band PEARLY GATE MUSIC.
myspace.com/jtillman
myspace.com/pearlygatemusic

In this edition: Daniel, Fred & Julie line up new collaborative LP, Blue Rodeo announce free rooftop show, Fucked Up get into the Christmas spirit, the sudden dissolution of Hostage Life, info on the Six Shooter Records move, HMV Canada launch their digital store, and details on how to help save Rolly's Garage from permanent deadpool.

Plus: new music videos from Grand Analog and The Most Serene Republic, a video of Elliott Brood performing live from Texas and free downloads from Shad K, Slim Twig, The Wooden Sky, & more...

Dan Auerbach headlined an early show at the Phoenix on Saturday evening, flawlessly translating his eclectic solo songs into bluesy, full band numbers. To be honest, I had expected a much more stripped down performance from Auerbach as he toured in support of Keep It Hid, but rather than toning it down, he brought along his newly formed band The Fast Five to keep the crowd moving throughout their short but sweet set.

Auerbach can usually be found on stage with Patrick Carney performing as The Black Keys. Taking some time apart after 2008's Danger Mouse produced Attack & Release, Carney and Auerbach have been keeping busy both together and independently of one another.