michaelkim.ca - MK blog

I’ll be the first one to admit, that !!!’s frontman is a freakin goofball, but the way this guy moves is pure genius. Their music just makes you wanna move those feet and shake that ass! Here from New York, see them live in Toronto May 19th, 2007.

www.myspace.com/chkchkchk

Norway has been pumping out many great artists, to the likes of Kings of Convenience, Röyksopp, Annie. Now Datarock seems to be in the spotlight. The duo from Norway, will be playing Toronto with Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS), June 4th, 2007. Not only is their music super danceable, but these guys are pure jokes! Just plain silliness! Good laughs for geeks like me. Just watch the videos.

Datarock - “Computer Camp Love”

Datarock - “FaFaFa”

The burbs around Toronto, are producing a steady supply of great bands, to the likes of Mississauga’s Meligrove Band, St. Catharine’s Alexisonfire and now Newmarket’s Tokyo Police Club. This show was sold out the first week on sale. Big ups to Alejandro who got me the ticket as he had to leave for Europe this week. Man Ale, sorry but you missed a hell of a good show. These guys were young, vibrant, still full of energy, this being their last stop on their tour. Quite the contrast from what now feels like the geriatric Junior Boys. TPC killed it and you left craving for more. Too bad they only have like seven songs on their debut album as they played all seven at the concert. With these guys signed to the hot Paper Bag Records, they should go a long way. You can catch them again at the Virgin Festival in September.

‘Nature Of The Experiment’ - Tokyo Police Club

Man, that looks like Stuart Little with big ears doesn’t it?

Every year the kids go wild for free chocolate (and for me, Lick’s burger coupons) at the Easter Parade in the Beach community of Toronto. Fun for the child in me and seeing a lot of happy faces.

The boys from Hamilton played at the Mod Club, Toronto, marking the release of their new Remix EP. Entering the building, it was great to see a sign announcing no more tickets, as they sold out last minute. Right from the start, you kinda could tell they seemed rather tired from endlessly touring Europe and North America. Nonetheless, lead singer Jeremy Greenspan seemed to demonstrate a need to appease the crowd by throwing in a mix of the old and the new and some of the more danceable stuff. Matt Didemus stuck by his synth rather focused and other times, starry-eyed routine. Despite their performance, their music is always enjoyable taking bits from old school house and techno and throwing in Greenspan’s heartbroken lyrics. As for their new Remix EP, apparently UK’s Hot Chip does a cover of “In The Morning”. Gotta check that out.

Air, another French duo doing their their thing with a more chilled out vibe taking inspiration from Japan. Think about the music in Lost in Translation. In Toronto on Saturday, May 5, 2007.

Air Official Site |
Air Myspace
Astralwerks Records |
Buy At Amazon.com

Last time around was back in 1999, at a Syrous rave, also at the International Centre, Toronto. Good memories.

As a triber put it: “Total french house to overload my senses all night? Robots? Pyramid? Dirty Beats? why not”

One question I have is how the fuck do they see anything in those things? Do they just put in a tape and do the robot dance?

The packed crowd at Lee’s Palace went totally bananas for Shout Out Out Out Out’s totally danceable high adrenaline set at on March 3, 2007. The band seemed genuinely surprised by the packed venue and the endless supply of screaming concert kids. They rewarded the crowd by putting on a show like no other with energy and high kicks to boot. Completely addictive!

I’m so hyped! It is not only because SHOUT OUT OUT OUT (SO4) will be coming to town, but I’ve been waiting to see 120 Days from Norway ever since they hit North America by storm, after signing with Vice Records. If you’re in the mood to dance, and “barf everywhere fuckin’ party man!” check out this show at Lee’s Palace, Toronto, March 3, 2007

SHOUT OUT OUT OUT @ 12:00, myspace.com/shoutoutoutoutout
120 Days @ 11:00 myspace.com/120days
2 Koreas @ 10:00 myspace.com/thetwokoreas

A short preview of what’s in store…

Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, November 10th, 2006

My buddy Tom, who directs news at OMNI TV and works occasionally at Sportsnet and RaptorsTV hooked us up big time. He was able to pull 100 level Raptors Tickets, located practically courtside. Toronto kicked Charlottes sorry ass 105-84. We even got free Pizza for scoring over 100! Pictures here.

May you receive many gifts from the Fearsome King, dressed in red! Maybe a head from the lake? Stay safe and eat lots, drink lots! No driving tho. HoHaHAHAHA

My favorite scene, the townhall meeting.

Every year, Toronto celebrates Winter Solstice, the longest, darkest night holding the Kensington Market Festival of Lights. “A cavalcade of costumed characters, giant puppets, stiltwalkers, and firebreathers in a luminescent lantern-lit carnival parade” filled the narrow streets.

The storefronts and rooftops had theatrics for all to watch, including a group of kids, members of the Green Army of the Environment geared up to battle against the Smog Army of Pollution.

The night ended at Bellevue Square Park, with firebreathers around a 12 foot bonfire lit aflame, dancing to the beats of a drum squad and the horns of a 20 piece jazz band.

More pictures here.