The Big Pink makes big noise

My $200 custom earplugs picked a bad time to go missing in action.

The Smith Westerns are the weakest link

Given the chance to schedule things all over again, Chicago’s Smith Westerns might have wisely decided to pencil in an R & R day instead of a gig at the Media Club.

Atlantic Canada on Deck closes with spirited mixer

If there’s one thing Atlantic Canadians know how to do and how to do well, it’s throw a “friggin” party.

Deadmau5 disappoints (almost) no one at LiveCity Olympic party

Canada's most celebrated DJ delivers for a capacity crowd in Vancouver.

Elvis Costello shines in Neil Young Project

Whoever coined the all-too-appropriate phrase “let the games begin” probably wasn’t thinking about the epic battle that played out between Canada and the United States at the Queen E on Thursday night, but it’s hard to imagine a more gripping contest—even on ice.

Sun Wizard show hit home with live music fans

It was business as usual for the Biltmore on Saturday night.

Wilco embraces the future at Olympic LiveCity concert

Long-running Chicago band disappoints no one in Vancouver.

Now!! rocks out with a wink at the Bourbon

If ever there was a thankless job it would be hitting a bar stage at the crack of 8:35 p.m.

Thre3Style values fun over chops

The annual Red Bull Thre3Style has become the iPod era’s definitive DJ competition, crystallizing the pleasure-seeking, mix ’n’ match ethos of 21st-century nightlife.

Mötley Crüe's GM Place show nothing to take seriously

Say what you want, but the Crüe is a band that knows what ticketholders come to hear.

Three Days Grace rocks the faithful few at GM Place

Three Days Grace may have been named rock artist of the year by Billboard in 2007, but it’s 2010 and I’m afraid the mall-metal quartet may be overestimating its draw.

Black Betty makes foxy rock at the Bourbon

With a posse of friends representing front-and-centre on the dance floor, Southern Death Threat kicked off the night with some down ’n’ dirty metal.

Jandek proves horrifically compelling

Whatever was on the minds of the seven or eight people who walked out during the course of the performance, Jandek’s sold-out show at the Scotiabank Dance Centre on December 7 was some kind of landmark event.

Friendly Fires kill kids without looking cool

Dance. It doesn’t matter how painfully awkward your moves are, what kind of window-licking face you pull when you’re getting down, or how little rhythm you have—just move your body on the dance floor.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra puts the metal in Christmas

When it comes to putting on symphonic metal Christmas concerts, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a pretty tough act to beat.