We’re kicking off this music month mid-way this time, as I’ve unfortunately been sick with a cold. Sorry readers! But, it’s here now, and we will celebrate by taking these recommendations in stride and soaking them all up before June kicks some new ones your way (in fact, North by Northeast is coming up next month, an even bigger festival than Canadian Music Week). The picks I’ve chosen for your mid-month are heavy on the big bands or big sounds – from the famous hometown collective Broken Social Scene to the party attitude of LCD Soundsystem. Check it out, and as always, you can read more of my musical musings on RoundLetters.
Three Toronto bands you should know:
Broken Social Scene – Well, let’s be honest. Even my friends who don’t pay attention to music know who Broken Social Scene are. Though this Toronto indie rock collective has been around for a while now, they’ve just released their first album in five years. Forgiveness Rock Record is out, and fans of the group have been rejoicing for weeks. The sound hasn’t really changed much, and I don’t think there are any immediate catchy singles like “7/4 Shoreline” or “Anthems For a 17-Year-Old Girl.”
The Most Serene Republic – Like BSS, this band is also a staple of the Arts & Crafts label. They released the album …And the Ever Expanding Universe this year and it was much better than what they’ve done in the past. Think along the lines of the kind of harmonies you’d hear from Stars but with a full orchestra and thought out band behind it rather than the same guitar-based melodies.
Tokyo Police Club – These guys struck gold a couple years ago before even releasing a full-length album. Once they did, they were successful for a while, but they’ve kind of disappeared since then. Fans will be pleased to know that they’re back with their second album, Champ, due out June 8. Their jaunty pop rock is refreshed and much cleaner. Not that I want to make them sound like laundry detergent or anything…
