exploremusic

[Click here for Day 1 and here for Day 2]

Orange Orange (Los Angeles):  Close your eyes and you might think you were listening to Green Day outtakes from American Idiot.  Listen to “Each Other” and you’ll see what I mean.

Xavier Cafiene [sic] (Montreal):  French-language emo?  Maybe.

Misstress [sic] Barbara (Montreal):  A friend of Sam Roberts, this Scicilian-born electronica DJ was raised in Montreal. You might have already heard “I’m Running,” the duet she did with Roberts.

Melissa Aur der Maur (Montreal, but now a citizen of the world):  I had a soft spot for Melissa for years and I’m relieved to see that here AWOL-ness caused by some bad record company juju has been solved.  I’m so sorry I can’t stick around to see this set because it’s guaranteed to be excellent.

Malajuble (Montreal):  Short-listed for this year’s Polaris Music prize, these guys will no doubt be treated like hometown heroes.  “Ursuline” is a cool song.

Champion and ses G-Strings (Montreal):  The artist formerly known as “DJ Champion” has a new singer, a new album and a new plan.  If you haven’t heard “Alive Again,” click the link.  Once you’re done that, review the greatness that was “No Heaven.”  (Postscript:  Ex-Champion singer Bonny Bonafassi and her new band, Beast are scheduled to play a secret set tonight.  I wonder if it’ll get awkward?)

F*cked Up (Toronto):  What a terrific way to end the festival.  This year’s Polaris Music Prize winners will make people thing twice about attempting go to the closing after party.