If you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Toronto, you’ll know that the city has been taken over by a mob of musicians and music fans who, by this time, are hungover and extremely sleep-deprived. Such are the rituals of Canadian Music Week.
With more than 800 acts from all over the planet in the midst of a five-day gigging marathon, the greatest challenge (next to preserving liver function) is figuring out which acts to see. Here are a few more recommendations for the home stretch from now until Sunday night.
Alcoholic Faith Mission: The closest Denmark has ever come to replicating Broken Social Scene and the Arcade Fire. http://alcoholicfaithmission.com.
Courage My Love: London, Ontario, pop punk trio led by a couple of cute-as-a-button 16 year-old twin sisters on guitars and drums. Gene Simmons (yes, him) scouted them as possible signings for his record label. http://ilovecouragemylove.com.
Ebsen and the Witch: Shoegaze fuzz from Brighton, England, enriched by a dollop of Siouxsie and the Banshees gothy-ness. http://www.esbenandthewitch.co.uk.
Hungary Kids of Hungary: Naturally, they’re from Brisbane and part of a large Australian contingent at this year’s festival. A good complement to anyone into Phoenix or Vampire Weekend. http://www.hungrykidsofhungary.com.
James Vincent McMorrow: Former hardcore fan turned singer-songwriter with a wonderfully gentle and touching album called Early in the Morning, written in a cabin overlooking the Irish Sea. http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com.
Janelle Monae: Part of the Bruno Mars/B.o.B. showstopper performance at the Grammys, Monae’s next album is among of the most anticipated R&B/soul/hip-hop releases. http://www.jmonae.com.
L. Stadt: This Polish band is not only one of the more popular rock acts in Eastern Europe, but also one of the most-hyped for this month’s SXSW Festival in Texas. Think Led Zeppelin + late-era Beatles + Wilco. http://www.lstadt.com.
The Sheepdogs: Saskatoon band currently in the running to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. Close your eyes and you’d swear you’re listening to some long-lost Guess Who tapes. Randy Bachman surely must approve. http://www.thesheepdogs.com.
Zoobombs: Hardcore rock’n’roll noiseniks from Tokyo who occasionally plunder rap, funk and even Japanese folk to serve their purposes. Not for the timid. http://www.thezoobombs.com.
A full schedule along with band profiles and details on how you can buy an all-access wristband can be found at www.cmw.net.
