Live music picks for MONDAY NOVEMBER 12 through SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2012.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 12 / YELLOW OSTRICH / THE GARRISON / 1197 DUNDAS W / $13 / 19+

It's always refreshing to come across a band with a unique and fresh sound, and this is certainly true of Brooklyn's Yellow Ostrich. In the past, they've opened for Of Monsters and Men and Los Campesinos!, and now they're on tour in support of their latest album, Strange Land. Their music is very percussion-heavy, and it's definitely an interesting blend of experimental and indie-rock, so if you're looking for something a bit different, you might want to check this show out. Strand of Oaks will open.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14 / THE FRESH & ONLYS / PARTS & LABOUR / 1566 QUEEN W / $13 / 19+

As one of the premier bands in San Francisco's so-called "new garage rock" movement, The Fresh & Onlys have been very busy making a name for themselves since forming in 2008. In that time, they've released two EPs and four full-length albums, including the recently released Long Slow Dance. There is definitely a garage rock sound here, blended expertly with indie-pop. It's very, very good stuff, and I'd highly recommend checking this show out if you're able to. Quilt, out of Boston, will offer support.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15 / THE ONCE / GLENN GOULD STUDIO / 250 FRONT W / $29.50 / ALL AGES

If you're at all like me, you at least have a passing enjoyment of music with a little East Coast flavour. And if that's the case, you'll definitely want to take a look at St. John's folk trio The Once. Their performances are a mix of original songs and traditional tunes, and they've become well-known for their three part harmonies. I haven't been to the Glenn Gould Studio before, so I can't say for sure what kind of venue it is, but I reckon that it has to be fairly decent for an act like this to play there.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17 / WORLD'S STRONGEST MO W/ TEENAGE KICKS & THE ELWINS / ACADEMY OF LIONS / 64 OSSINGTON / $10 / 19+

Every year, girlfriends and wives alike dread the coming of November. For it's during this month of the year that men of all walks of life take part in Movember - growing out a moustache to raise funds and awareness for men's health. All kidding aside, it's a great cause, and on Saturday, the Toronto-based Young Lions Music Club will be throwing a moustache-themed fundraiser party. Called "World's Strongest Mo," the evening will be chock-full of moustache inspired events, including arm wrestling contests, weightlifting demonstrations, and $1 shaves and moustache trims courtesy of local barbershop Garrison's. Best of all, Toronto-based bands Teenage Kicks, the Elwins, and Alright Alright will be on hand in all their mustachioed glory. This promises to be a great night, and it's for an awesome cause.

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Photo of Yellow Ostrich courtesy of smulligannn on Flickr.