'Sup In July? **UPDATED**

I think it's quite obvious that this years NXNE festival has completely zonked me, making it difficult to throw words up on this blog that even slightly resembles anything literate, but hecks if I don't put forth an effort here today.

Now you may be wondering: why am I putting up the monthly 'sup? post for July when it's only the 24th of June? Well this is because I'm off to New York tomorrow night and I won't be back till next week and by then it's going to be the 30th, and I don't know how I'm going to feel by then. I'm guessing tired.

Now, I'm not going to make any promises, but I think for next month I'm going to attempt the mighty post-a-day deal. The reason for my making such an insane resolution is the simple fact that I've got a lot to talk about. First of all, I have the privilege of being one of the relatively few in Canada who get to test drive the latest version of the Microsoft Zune. I've only just started using the little 8 gigger, but for the most part I find it to be a pretty snazzy little mp3 player. The road trip to NY is going to give me plenty of quality time with this machine, and I will be sure to publish a full report upon my return.

Also, I picked up a giant heaping pile of CD's just prior to NXNE, and I'm slowly making my way through them. Most of them are newer, but I actually discovered a couple of lost classics that I may or may not post about next month. A lot of them are Toronto based, and a lot of them are real good, so I'm looking forward to blogging you all about them. (I think that the word 'blog' is becoming like the word 'smurf' to me, where it can be used in many interchangeable ways.)

And then there's the shows. I don't anticipate that I'll be going to all that many in July since I did so much in June and it exhausted me. However, there are many to choose from and I anticipate that I'll be hitting up a few of these:

It's hard to turn down a free show at Harbourfront Centre, especially when the performer is the adorable Basia Bulat. I can't believe that I haven't seen her yet this year. How did that happen? She's playing Tuesday July 1st. Harbourfront Centre. *Free.

Myspace: Basia Bulat

On Friday July 4th, jazz meets new wave when Karma Controllers play Rancho Relaxo. I keep on missing these guys, and it's a shame because, judging by their Sirens CD, my gut tells me that they put on a phenomenal show. They're playing with The Craft Economy (whom I've seen and loved) and The Hots (whom I've not seen nor heard, but people have told me that I will love them.) Friday July 4th. Rancho Relaxo. $5.

Myspace: Karma Controllers
Myspace: The Craft Economy
Myspace: The Hots
Download: Whisper Sister by Karma Controllers mp3

Download: The Lives Of Captured Scientists by Craft Economy mp3



Another cool lesser known event is on Saturday July 5th at the Cameron House where The Wallscenery Demos will be performing. I reviewed their CD a few weeks ago and it's quite spectacular. They're on the bill with Jay Sad and ex~po, both of whom I've never heard of. Saturday July 5th. Cameron House. $5.

Myspace: Wallscenery Demos
Myspace: Jay Sad
Myspace: ex~po
Download: Wallscenery Holler by The Wallscenery Demos mp3



On July 5th, Crystal Castles are doing the free Harbourfront thing. Don't think that I'll be at that one, but you should be. Saturday July 5th. Harbourfront Centre. *Free.

Myspace: Crystal Castles

Another show that I don't think I'll be able to catch but you should is the legendary Alejandro Escovedo at The Mod Club. He is one of the pioneers of the whole alt-country thang, and I'd imagine that his show would be smoother than cream corn. Monday July 7th. Mod Club. $18.50.

Myspace: Alejandro Escovedo
Download: Always A Friend mp3


One of the ones that falls into my must-see category, is the awesome bill at Rancho Relaxo on July 10th. I don't know much about the Rural Alberta Advantage, but according to several reputable sources, they apparently killed at this years NXNE. To sweeten the already glucose heavy pot, Jon McKiel is also playing. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy infomercial, if you like Ryan Adams, check out Jon McKiel. 'Nuff said. Mandibles are also playing. This is a No Shame event. Thursday July 10th. Rancho Relaxo. $5.

Myspace: Rural Alberta Advantage
Myspace: Jon McKiel
Myspace: Mandibles
Download: Luciana by Rural Alberta Advantage mp3


I will absolutely be attending The Joys CD release party at The Horseshoe for their latest release Unfold, which is finally ready to hit the record shelves on July 8th. I just got the CD in the mail, and am looking forward to taking in their solid brand of good old fashioned rock 'n roll. Friday July 11th. Horseshoe. $8.

Myspace: The Joys

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks are playing The Phoenix, which is pretty exciting in itself. But opening for Steve, is Fleet Foxes, whom I saw earlier this year and was blown away by how much they didn't suck. They're amazing. Wednesday July 16th. Phoenix. $20.

Myspace: Stephen Malkmus
Myspace: Fleet Foxes

Another must-see for me, is the triumphant teaming of a couple of ex-Deadly Snakes when my new favorite band Quest For Fire has their CD release party at The Horseshoe with Andre Ethier opening. How cool is that? Sadly it looks like I've got a prior engagement that weekend, and I'm going to have to miss it. Dang. Wyrd Visions is also opening. Saturday July 19th. Horseshoe. $7.

Myspace: Quest For Fire
Myspace: Andre Ethier
Myspace: Wyrd Visions

And finally, July 19th has She & Him at the Opera House. I really really really really want to go to this. Three reasons. 1. Volume One is one of the best albums of the year. 2. Zooey Deschanel. and 3. M. Ward. Yah, it doesn't get better than that. Sadly, so far, it's not looking good for me. Hopefully, circumstances change and I end up trekking to the east side via TTC to check this one out. We'll see. Wednesday July 23rd. Opera House. $23.50.

Myspace: She & Him

And that's all she wrote for now. Blog to ya next week sometime.