But it’s not over yet. December offers a nice roster of concerts to see before the year is caput. So get out your winter dancing boots!

AUSTRA

This weekend, Toronto bands AUSTRA (enchanted, dark rock) and Little City (content folk-pop) both will be showing off some new sounds, with AUSTRA at the Bovine Sex Club on Friday and Little City at Velvet Underground on Saturday. Also, Halifax party man Rich Aucoin will be at the Supermarket on Friday, bringing the total count of times I’ve missed this man to somewhere around 20, I’m sure. He’s well-known for his colourful and crazy concert antics, so we have to see him before he gets even bigger!

Next weekend, Hooded Fang (happy pop!) are having their album release party at the Drake Underground, while British melancholic popster Badly Drawn Boy holds court at the Great Hall, both on the 9^th. Broken Social Scene and Superchunk take up residence at the Sound Academy on the 9^th and 10^th, though only the 10^th is still on sale at this point. Superchunk will play an in-store show at Sonic Boom on the 9^th, at 3 p.m.

Sandman Viper Command

Some holiday events will reign strong this month, with Audio Blood’s Two Night Stand at the Rivoli on the 10^th and 11^th. 10^th features Charlotte Cornfield, Sandman Viper Command, Make Your Exit and more, while the 11^th has Teenage Kicks, Clothes Make the Man, The Balconies and more. No Shame and The Singing Lamb will hold two holiday shows as well, with Germans, Bear Trees and Uncle Bad Touch on the 16^th at Garrison and The Magic, Everything All the Time, THOMAS and The Winks on the 17^th at the El Mocambo.

Before the month is up, there’s also The Darcys, Whale Tooth and Bravestation to catch at the Silver Dollar on the 18^th, My Chemical Romance at the Sound Academy the same evening, and Jason Collett’s Basement Revue series at the Dakota, with only the 28^th show with select tickets left (this is an ASAP matter).

Elliott Brood

This year, I’ll be bringing in 2011 musically, and I hope you will too. I’ll be at the Tranzac for their New Year’s Eve celebration, with Hooded Fang, Light Fires, Sister, The Wilderness of Manitoba, Dr. Ew, and more. Tickets are $15 in advance and doors are at 8. Other good NYE shows include Elliott Brood’s famously rockin’ show at Lee’s Palace and I know the Garrison has a show planned, but I’m not sure who will play yet.

Steve McKay

Here are some musician suggestions for December fun. Steven McKay (of Bruce Peninsula) released his self-titled solo album in the fall, but it deserves some wintery listens as he offers quite the pick-me-up attitude.

The Eatons, a fast-paced pop rock group actually make Scarborough sound kind of fun. They’ve just released their Handover EP.

Allie Hughes, who offers the female vocals on McKay’s album, is also becoming quite well-known around the city for her quirky solo work. She’ll release an album in the upcoming year, but she has a show on the 17^th at the Mod Club with Sweet Thing, which is mysteriously titled as a Christmas Wedding on her website…

As always, for more music musings, visit my website, RoundLetters.

North by Northeast 2010 is upon us! That means I have ringing ears and a sore ass ahead of me, thanks to the over 600 live music acts and an ample assortment of music themed documentaries that are taking Toronto by storm this week. This is simply a list of things I plan on checking out during NXNE, things that I think my fellow dorks will appreciate. I’ll admit that I’m not as up on new music as some, if you want the real scoop on up-and-coming bands at NXNE then be sure to read Jessica’s NXNE 2010 picks.

We’re barely scratching the surface here though, there is so much to see and do at North by Northeast. Be sure to check out the official NXNE 2010 website for ticket info and the full schedule or just go buy a wristband and get out there and see what you can!

Wednesday, June 16

Music

The Balconies – It sounds odd, but The Balconies could best be described as Joy Division meets The B-52′s. Liam Jaeger and Jacquie Neville share primary vocal duties, playing drums and guitar respectively, while Neville’s brother Stephen backs them up on bass and vocals. Jaeger’s Joy Division-esque voice is a perfect compliment to Neville’s huge and powerful vocals. The heavy percussion and catchy riffs don’t hurt either. – CN Tower @ 7:00 p.m.

Eagles of Death Metal – An excellent way to open NXNE. The brain child of musicians Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Eagles of Death Metal are one part garage rock band infused with bluegrass and another part seedy, grinding riffmeisters who frequently drown the stage with awesome. Sadly, Homme is not part of their touring lineup, but Hughes is legendary for his showmanship. Do not miss it. – Phoenix @ 11:00 p.m.

Films

Do It Again -  Journalist Geoff Edgers sets out to reunite the remaining members of his rock heroes, the legendary Brit-Invasion band The Kinks. Along the way he interviews Sting, Paul Weller and Zooey Deschanel.  – National Film Board @ 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 17

Music

Anamanaguchi – This awesome chiptune punk band makes their 8-bit infused music using hacked Gameboys and Nintendo Entertainment Systems as synthesizers. Need I say more? Fine, the band is also composing the music for the video game adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World being made by Ubisoft – Whippersnapper @ 11:00 p.m.

HEALTH – This eccentric Los Angeles-based noise rock outfit became known for playing free shows and opening for Nine Inch Nails. Did I mention that Eric Wareheim of Tim & Eric fame made a really fucked up music video for their song “We Are Water”?. No? Well, he did. These guys are likely going to destroy Sneaky Dee’s. – Sneaky Dee’s @ 12:00 a.m.

Zeus – Just in time for summer, Zeus plays upbeat pop rock that’ll put a smile on your face. Until recently they had been the backing band for Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett, but we’re all better off now that they’ve gone solo. – Rivoli @ 10 p.m.

Buck 65 -  This Nova Scotia-born MC and turntablist has already made his mark on Canadian music scene. Buck 65′s music is a strange and awesome blend of folk, blues, rock and hip-hop. You’re unlikely to hear anything like him. – Rivoli @ 11 p.m.

Films

Johnny Cash’s America – Documentary film about the Man in Black, his life and his music featuring never-before-seen photos and footage, plus interviews with his family, friends and contemporaries. This is the only documentary where you’ll get to see Ozzy Osbourne, Snoop Dog, Bob Dylan and Al Gore talk about Johnny Cash – Hyatt Regency @ 6:00 p.m.

This Movie is Broken – Director Bruce McDonald (Hardcore Logo, Pontypool) creates a film that is one part concert film about Broken Social Scene and one part love story between two Toronto friends. McDonald continues to do interesting and unique work, hopefully This Movie is Broken follows in that tradition. Dubbed a “rock show romance” you can check out the trailer for the film here. – The Royal Cinema @ 7:00 p.m.

When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors – This intriguing documentary about the formation and rise of The Doors features rare footage actually shot by Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek. Drolly narrated by Johnny Depp, the film is a must for anyone interested in learning about The Doors or Jim Morrison. Though there probably isn’t much new for fans of the band, it’s still a compelling look at the music scene in the late 1960′s – Hyatt Regency @ 8:00 p.m.

Friday, June 18

Music

Timber Timbre – The spooky blues guitar and haunting melancholy vocals from Taylor Kirk will do things to you. But don’t let me scare you, Timber Timbre just signed to local label Arts & Crafts, this is one act that is definitely worth your time.- Gladstone Ballroom @ 10:00 p.m.

K-OS and Sloan - No, they aren’t actually playing together, although that would be interesting. Two mainstays of the Canadian music scene are playing a free show on Friday night; from K-OS’s soulful genre-bending hip-hop to Sloan’s power pop rock, there’s something here for everyone. Unless of course you hate life. – Yonge-Dundas Square @ 8:30 p.m.

Films

Suck – The film follows a unsuccessful rock band on their North American tour.  As the members of the band are turned into vampires one by one, a mysterious man named Eddie Van Helsing starts asking questions about them. It’s a Canadian vampire rock-and-roll comedy featuring Dave Foley, Iggy Pop, Malcolm McDowell, Moby and Alice Cooper.  This kind of movie doesn’t come along too often.  Plus I’ve always been a sucker for Canadian actress Jessica Paré. - The Bloor Cinema @ 9:45 p.m.

Saturday, June 19

Music

Iggy and the Stooges – Headlining NXNE 2010 are Iggy and the Stooges. If you are unfamiliar with these gentlemen, I invite you to click this link for an education in protopunk. Inarguably one of the most important precursors to the punk movement, The Stooges changed the course of music in 1973 with their epic, speakers-at-eleven album Raw Power. Iggy Pop and the boys may be older, but they can likely rock harder than anyone half their age. It’s a free show and it’s sure to be a blast. – Yonge-Dundas Square @ 9:30 p.m.

The Meligrove Band – This local group just released the first single from their new album for free online, and it sounds great. If you like the whimsical, dreamy quality of The Flaming Lips or the upbeat pop sound of Sloan, then you’ll probably like The Meligrove Band. They put on a good show when I last saw them live, I imagine their showmanship hasn’t changed since then. – Wrongbar @ 9:00 p.m.

Films

Search and Destroy: Iggy Pop and The Stooges’ Raw Power – Examining the creation of The Stooges’ legendary 1973 album Raw Power. Featuring new interviews with Iggy Pop, James Williamson, Scott Asheton and many others. See the doc and then go see The Stooges live at Yonge-Dundas square for free on the same night. – Toronto Underground Cinema @ 5:00 p.m.

Stones In Exile – Assembled from original footage and pictures, this documentary captures Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the rest of the Rolling Stones as they hole up in the southern France to create one of their best albums: Exile on Main St. – Toronto Underground Cinema @ 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 20

Music

De La Soul - This highly influential, legendary hip-hop crew is playing a free show in the heart of downtown Toronto. For you kids who don’t remember De La Soul’s heyday in the early 90′s, they more recently collaborated with Gorillaz on their smash hit “Feel Good Inc.”. If you only know them from that, listen to this and come to this show.  – Yonge-Dundas Square @ 9:30 p.m.

Boys Who Say No – Toe-tapping, fist-pumping, head-bobbing party pop meets country. These gents play a mean live show, you’ll quickly learn that the ukulele can make any song even better. – The Garrison @ 11:00 p.m.

My column for this month is a special edition in honour of the upcoming Canadian Music Week: a five-day festival showcasing great Canadian music acts as well as conferences, lectures, award shows and films. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I want to show you which events will make you lean forward, flail your arms and smile.

CMW runs March 10-14, with events during the days and concerts/films in the evenings.

Canadian Music Week (and Fest – the music portion) require that you purchase passes to attend events (obviously). You can purchase weekly or daily passes. For more information, go here. However, if you want to go to just one concert, tickets can be purchased here.

This is the second part in a trio of articles in preparation for CMW. Today, I’ll point out a number of bands that are more than worth just checking out.

On March 10:

Damian "Pink Eyes" Abraham of Fucked Up

Fucked Up will play at 1 a.m. at the El Mocambo, which is bound to be one of the sweatiest events you will ever go to. They recently played Toronto’s The Opera House, and that is a considerably larger venue than the El Mo. So if they can pack huge venues like that, be sure to try and squeeze into the spectacle that is Damian “Pink Eyes” Abraham dancing with no clothes on to really fast and fun punk music.

All night at Lee’s Palace will be a charmingly fun showcase of crooner Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen, who used to back up bands like Feist’s), Jason Collett (also in Broken Social Scene) and Zeus (Collett’s former backing band, now with an album of their own). It’s safe to say there will be a lot of harmonies!

At the Opera House will be two bands that I used to listen to a lot in high school and still hold a bit of love for: I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business and Copeland. The former is the side project from Ace Enders, who used to front the Early November and the latter will actually be presenting this as their farewell tour. If you’ve still got that soft spot for sad boy music, this is the show for you.

On March 11:

Green Go

The Audio Blood showcase, presented by Exclaim!, has some of the country’s hottest young pop talent these days all in one night. Start at 9 p.m. and going until about 3 a.m., there’s the Ottawa-based folk artist Leif Vollebekk, the pop/soul mixings of We Are the City, Toronto pop/rock band The Darcys, then Clothes Make the Man, Make Your Exit and Sandman Viper Command. It’s sure to be one power chord-filled night. And they seem to be the kind of record label that has fun, as shown in a video they released this weekend in preparation for the Fest.

Another indie label, Arts & Crafts, will also be putting on a showcase. Taking place at the Great Hall, they have Australian pop princess Sally Seltmann (formerly known as New Buffalo), West Coast gentleman Dan Mangan and the haunting works of Timber Timbre. From 9 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Sneaky Dee’s, the home of some of Toronto’s best nachos with cheese, is a veteran of eager shows on their second floor that always make the floor shake. The MuseBox showcase has some great artists lined up for the night, including Language-Arts, Everything All the Time, Parlovr and Green Go. Be sure to get there early so you can be close to all of the fun. From 8 p.m. to about 4 a.m.

On March 12:

Metz

Billions Showcase includes Winter Gloves, The Acorn, Plants & Animals and Think About Life. I’m glad it’s at Lee’s Palace because this is going to be a packed show, and Lee’s is one of the more spacious venues compared to the Horseshoe or the El Mo. Most of these bands released amazing albums a couple years ago and are at it again this year, so there’s a lot of anticipation. From 9 p.m. to about 3 a.m.

The Music Gallery, which is in the St. George the Martyr Church, is always home to exquisite and calm performances. Indie musicians on the solo path at the moment will take over this night: Julie Fader (who worked with Chad VanGaalen, Tony Dekker and Justin Rutledge on her new album), Brian Borcherdt (of Holy Fuck) and Postdata (Paul Murphy of Wintersleep). From 7:30 p.m. to about 10 p.m., this is bound to be beautiful.

At the Garrison, there will be an interesting mix of folk, pop, and noise rock. From Ghostkeeper to Silver Starling to METZ, your nerves will be on high voltage, but I don’t think that would be a bad thing. From 9 p.m. to about 2 a.m.

On March 13:

Joel Plaskett

Every year, ChartAttack puts on great showcases at the Horseshoe Tavern. This year is pretty solid, but no doubt is their best night this night. They have a long roster of artists: Yukon Blonde, The Balconies, The Beauties, The Wooden Sky, Two Hours Traffic, The Junction and The Stanfields. It will be a very dancey night, with pause for more country by The Beauties and The Wooden Sky in the middle, which seems like a pretty neat sandwich. From 8:30 p.m. to about 3 a.m.

Joel Plaskett is playing at the Mod Club, but the interesting thing is he’s opening for acts like Jeff Martin, Default and The Trews. A weird combination, it might just be worth it to see if you can get into Joel’s set, but it might already be sold out. I still have yet to really see him play, that’s a huge bummer. At 7:30 p.m.

New Teeth will play at the Neutral Lounge at 8 p.m. This band is kind of on the up-and-coming list at the moment, deservedly so. They’re an interesting-sounding band with pointy guitar notes and sharp synth strokes. I think they would be really interesting to see live, probably even better than their recordings.

Alright! I think you’ve got a great schedule set up. But if you want to find more, go here to see the full schedule. If you want to know where I’ll be headed to cover, go here. Have fun!

Three Toronto bands you should know:

Woodhands – They found critical acclaim in the US and China for their last album, Heart Attack, so it can only go up from here for Remorsecapade. Their loud, sweaty dance parties are always talked about for days afterward, the perfect goal for musical hosts. The album was only released a few days ago, but there’s already been an incredible amount of hype. They’re fun, bold and quirky; it’s good to see something so different and exciting on the Toronto scene in between the usual splendors. Don’t miss your chance to see them since they will be going back to the States and possibly China again this year.

The Balconies – This trio has recently moved to Toronto from Ottawa, and we have welcomed them with open arms. They’re already gone and touring Eastern Canada right now (but you will see them play a show here this month). They’ve got this interesting sound that blends ‘80s pop guitars with the huge difference between their voices (which works in their favour). They had a great 2009, so here’s hoping they’ll have an even better 2010.

Bruce Peninsula – We’ve seen the release of their most recent album, A Mountain is a Mouth, and it was wonderful. The troupe of incredible singers (the instruments come later) are still riding that wave and will see tour dates in the States over the next few months, including South by Southwest, a big music festival in Texas (Woodhands will be there too). This album is one that will definitely brighten up a dreary February day or at least make it more contemplative.

Three up-and-coming Toronto bands:

Whale Tooth – Yeah, I know they’ve been around for quite a while, but I don’t think they ever broke the barrier they definitely should have. So, let’s all get together and push that thing! While “Hibernation Song” suggests reveling in the non-touring weather, it still has this pop motivation that doesn’t quit. They’re taking this year slow so far, but are working on new material. You can catch them play a show here this month though.

Burn Planetarium – Based in Guelph and Toronto, this band has recently seen a spike in their popularity, probably due to a session on Southern Souls and a few concerts scattered around. But it’s just appetizing to know that they’re currently working on new material as well. Their EP was cutesy and enjoyable but I hope that they take their music to new levels for the album.

The Hoa Hoa’s – Sure, they were on the cover of Eye Weekly before Christmas, but they’ve still got a ways to go before being one of those obvious Toronto bands. That’s not a bad thing. They’re different from any Toronto band I’ve heard possibly ever, as they’re heavily psychedelic and trippy. They seem to kind of go wherever the wind takes them, and I think that mentality is a good one to have.

Three Toronto concerts that you shouldn’t miss:

Gentleman Reg at the Drake Underground, February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – This Toronto musician who seems to be everywhere is celebrating this year’s release of his solo album, Jet Black, with a residency at the Drake Underground every Wednesday this month. The residency, Heavy Head, is named after his recent EP. Be sure to catch one of the shows, I hear he puts on a heck of a performance. He has invited Hooded Fang, By Divine Right, the Balconies, Sheezer, Dance Yourself to Death, Evening Hymns and more to play along with him, so pick the band that pleases you most and you’ve got a winner! I also know Reg’s been dabbling in dance music lately with Dan Werb of Woodhands and some other kooky things with Owen Pallett, so he’ll probably be experimenting a lot during the residency.

The Editors at the Phoenix, February 16th – Another fancy British band with monumental electric guitars and dark vocals will visit us once again. I’ve enjoyed their past work, but I haven’t checked out their most recent album In This Light and on This Evening. I hear it’s full of quirky lyrics and a new 80’s vibe, and that doesn’t seem to be a bad thing.

Wavelength Music Festival is running from Feb 10th to 14th at various venues – This Wavelength 500 will be the last festival that Wavelength puts on after a decade. They have plans to start a festival series, but no longer can you hop by on a weekend and see some random tiny indie band. Be sure to check out Evening Hymns, Bruce Peninsula, The Constantines and Diamond Rings.

One other Toronto show you shouldn’t miss:

I’m going to be putting on a concert at the Only Café on Feb 6th! The pub/café is at 972 Danforth Avenue, right off of the Donlands subway stop. I have a fantastic lineup of local bands: Flashlight Radio, a folk-country duo; Ghost Trees, a psychedelic indie-pop songstress and Two Zebras, a self-described “geek pop” melody maker who has just moved here from Scotland. For more information, go to my blog RoundLetters! Hope to see you there!