RSS

Toronto Notes

The T.O. Do List: Dec. 14

1. On top of their own steady output of post-apocalytic rock, Montreal’s Silver Mt. Zion crew have become the backing band of choice for veteran outsiders (Vic Chesnutt, Patti Smith) with whom they share a certain weary world view and a fondness for darkly epic songcraft. But while their partnership with Grant Hart on Hot Wax — the former Hüsker Dü drummer’s first solo album in 10 years — is in line with their recent indie-icon assistance efforts, the Zions are more than happy to defer to Hart’s power-pop program. Which is to say Hot Wax finds Hart — always the McCartney to Bob Mould’s Lennon in Hüsker Dü — playing well within his comfort zone, complete with thin, trebly SST-vintage production to keep him insulated. But between the ’50s soda-shop bop of “California Zephyr,” the fuzzy Farfisa charms of “Charles Hollis Jones” and the righteously garage-rockin’ send-off “You’re the Reflection of the Moon on the Water,” there are ample opportunities here to get your wig flipped all over again. Hart returns to Toronto tonight at the Horseshoe (370 Queen W.) with openers Massey Harris and Steve Stanley (of Lowest of the Low). $10.50 from Ticketmaster, Horseshoe, Rotate This and Soundscapes.

2. Ever found yourself sitting in a theatre and fighting the urge to shout, “Pretentious!” “Boring!” or “Useless circular sub-plot with one-dimensional characters!” At Theatre Passe Muraille’s tri-annual Buzz Festival, you can voice your snarkiest opinions without coming off as a rude jackass. A showcase of works-in-progress, Buzz asks each participating playwright/creator to submit a list of questions for inclusion in the program, to be asked after the performance to the audience. The festival runs from tonight to Friday (Dec. 18), 7:30pm. Donations accepted. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529.

3. From his east-to-west solo train trips as a kid to his endless string of gigs shortly thereafter, Luke Doucet is a seasoned road warrior. The singer-songwriter will make his next pit stop at the Dakota for a War Child Canada benefit, a cause that’ll make his bluesy storytelling and country-folk guitar licks sound even sweeter. With Emm Gryner. 249 Ossington. $25. 8pm.

TAGS:

Toronto Notes

Toronto news and views, updated every day. torontonotes@eyeweekly.com.

Recent Posts
April 20, 2010  12:00 AM  
April 20, 2010  12:00 AM  
April 19, 2010  12:00 AM  
April 19, 2010  12:00 AM  
April 17, 2010  12:00 AM  
April 16, 2010  12:00 AM  
Archives
Category
Tags
Post Stats
145 Hits
Recent Comments
thepiston said now the pedo's gotta...
on The blitzkrieged Bop
January 19, 2010  11:28 AM

Kurwa said cool place
on The blitzkrieged Bop
December 11, 2009  11:28 AM

KingofthePaupers said Lump on a log?
on St. Paul debate stalled
September 13, 2009  5:35 PM

KingofthePaupers said Issue is exclusion...
on St. Paul debate stalled
September 13, 2009  5:35 PM

carrieivan said It's about time!!!
on So long Sneaky Dee's; enter The Garrison
September 12, 2009  3:00 PM

Paul McKeever said Freedom Party is Not...
on St. Paul debate stalled
September 12, 2009  5:35 PM