Despite the torrential down pour and the blustery winds on day three of Canadian Music Week, venues were still packing the audience to the lid. Friday night I set up shop in Lee’s Palace to see one of the coolest and most diverse Canadian showcases of the fest.
Check out my reviews after the jump.

Winter Gloves
Winter Gloves are an accidental electro-rock band born out of songs that lead singer Charles F posted on online.

Stage Presence: B+
Winter Gloves milked their charming French Canadianess. The most commanding presence on stage was lead singer Charles F who bounded up and down over his keyboard while the rest of the band stood coolly behind their instruments.

Stage Banter: B
The highlight of their banter was the French language back and forth with a handful of audience members.

Actual Talent: A
These boys are gimmick free and make exceptional music without having to hide a lack of talent behind phony colour.

Audience Response: B+
Winter Gloves took the stage at 9 pm only about 15 minutes after the doors finally opened at Lee’s Palace so the floor was nearly empty until a responsive crowd eventually streamed in near the end of their set.

Potential for Superstardom: B+
Winter Gloves have the excitement and talent to be stars but they may need to distinguish their sound among the explosion of similar bands.

Overall Score: B+
Extra Credit: To draw people to the front of the stage, Winter Gloves gave out free copies of their CD.

The Russian Futurists
The Russian Futurists are a lo-fi, poppy electro-rock band who have been around for 10 years, way longer than many of the baby-faced breaking bands of CMW.

Stage Presence: B
The Russian Futurists don’t go for the ever popular stage flailing but their Feist doppelganger bass player has the hair flip down pat.

Stage Banter: A
The Russian Futurists had some of the best banter of the night and even squeezed some modest chuckles from the audience.

Actual Talent: A-
The person who caught my eye as the most talented of the group was the drummer. He rocked out like Jason Segal in Freaks and Geeks. But, I did miss the awesome horn section from the recorded version of “Paul Simon.”

Audience Response: B+
The audience responded like a typically interested CMW crowd who were just excited to be there but the number of new songs the band played could have contributed to the audience’s low energy.

Potential for Superstardom: B
The band has been around for so long compared to a lot of CMW bands that their superstardom will be hard earned.

Overall Score: B+
Extra Credit: Played “Paul Simon,” a staple on my high school play list.

The Acorn
The Acorn are a Canadian folk-rock band with grit whose large membership dominates every stage they mount.

Stage Presence: B
The last time I saw The Acorn they were an opener for one of my favourite bands and I was, dare I say, moderately bored. But, The Acorn proved that quick judgment is never good when they rocked the stage hard on Friday.

Stage Banter: A
The band’s lead singer Rolf Klausener is so charming and he gives off the feeling that he is genuinely grateful to be playing.

Actual Talent: A
Let’s just say one thing, two drum kits.

Audience Response: A
The Acorn has a very committed fan base. You didn’t even need to talk to them to tell that they came out in droves on Friday to support them.

Potential for Superstardom: A
The Acorn proved that they are both a band that plays pleasant, mellow music and can hit you with a tornado of rock. Their range will serve them well.

Overall Score: A
Extra Credit: Evoking nostalgia from the audience by announcing the departure of band member Howie Tsui.

Plants and Animals
Plants and Animals are a throw-back rock trio who were one of the most buzzed about bands in 2008 and have managed to keep up that momentum leading into their upcoming album La La Land.

Stage Presence: A
Front man Warren Spicer knows how to get his audience on board and sweat through his white button up shirt trying to entertain.

Stage Banter: B
Plants and Animals also stuck to the “Thank you for being heres” and the standard pre-song blurbs but missed out on the relatable stage raport.

Actual Talent: A
Plants and Animal’s genuine talent cements their credibility. Although it takes many things to make a band great, Plants and Animals are able to experiment on stage because of their confidence in their skills.

Audience Response: A+
People really do love Plants and Animals. Usually when a band’s set is so heavy on new songs, the audience gets bored but Plants and Animals managed to keep the audience’s attention as they tried out their new stuff.

Potential for Superstardom: A
Plants and Animals have already become a must-have on house party and walking to work playlists but if Friday’s show was a taste of their new album, they better be prepared to skyrocket.

Overall Score: A
Extra Credit: Front-man Warren Spicer’s makeover from hairy woodsman to slick polo club member.

Think About Life
Think About Life is a soulful dance band who are known for their live shows and have now cemented themselves as an act I refuse to miss.

Stage Presence: A+
Once 1 pm rolled around I was ready to get my second wind after concerting for four hours. Think About Life provided that burst of energy.

Stage Banter: A
The foursome all have their role in the witty tête à tête they have on stage like dance pop Golden Girls.

Actual Talent: A
Think About Life joins a resurgence of bands who prove that although a band can be great with mediocre vocals, they can be superior with vocals like Martin Cesar’s and Caila Thompson-Hannant’s.

Audience Response: A+
It seemed like I wasn’t the only one who needed a kick in the pants again. Although there was some roughhousing, the audience danced like their black pumps and Nike hightops were on fire.

Potential for Superstardom: A
There are few party bands around right now that rival the awesomness of Think About Life. If F-cked Up is Toronto’s greatest live act, they may have a Quebecois rival on their hands.

Overall Score: A
Extra Credit: The broke-down robot dance moves they used to end their songs.

Look out for more about Winter Gloves, The Acorn and Think About Life coming soon.

We caught up with Bahamas (aka Afie Jurvanen) before his ultra-packed Canadian Music Week show on Wednesday. The Juno-nominated singer-songwriter (and Feist’s former guitar player) chatted with us about his new album “Pink Strat”, Gossip Girl and his potential metal side projects with Jason Collett.

Much: How do you think being nominated for a Juno is going to affect your career, if at all?

Bahamas: Well, you know when you’re making records and on tour you don’t really think about that sort of stuff. You just don’t have time. You’re just thinking about you’ve gotta call your mom during sound check and get something to eat. So when they called me last week and told me, I was totally surprised. I think it’ll be a nice moment, if anything it brings more attention to my record. I’m basically busy all the time and I kind of like it that way. I’m always on tour or recording. So yeah, if there’s a few more people who are kind of pointed in that direction of being curious about my music then that’s a good thing.

Much: You’ve collaborated with a lot of people – you played with Feist for over two years – what inspired you to break away and do a solo album?

Bahamas: I’ve always had my own tunes and I’ve always had my own bands and played with other people’s bands. And a lot [of bands] like Zeus or [Jason Collett], especially in Toronto, there’s basically a hundred bands and like twenty people in those bands. It’s sort of like different incarnations of the same people. And so I think if you’re a musician in Toronto or any artist really, it really is like a community thing. If someone needs help handling a show and needs a bass player, it’s like sure I’ll come play bass for you. I was always playing my own music and I think I just got caught up playing other people’s music for a few years. I was always wanting to do it, there just wasn’t enough time. When you’re touring that consistently, every time you have a minute off you just wanna watch Gossip Girl and do nothing, you know.

So yeah, when we came off the road I had this record finished and some people had asked me to come on the road and play with their band and I just said no, I have this record and I think I’m going to put it out and try to play shows on my own. I’m really glad I did. It’s been so much fun, and everything’s been kind of a new learning process which is really exciting right now.

Much: How is it different now that you have to wear so many different hats and have a bit more music responsibility versus playing for someone’s band?

Bahamas: Playing in someone else’s band, you really don’t have much artistic pressure, you just want to play well and have fun with your friends and just support their thing.

Much: So are you feeling the pressure a bit more now with Bahamas?

Bahamas: Well, yeah. I mean I’m the singer and I wrote the songs so if I feel that I’ve played poorly then at the end of the night I would maybe take it a little harder than I would if I was just in the band. But it’s also way more rewarding too, so it’s somehow worth the risk. To get recognized for the Juno is such a treat. And to have all your friends that have been milling around for years and know you really well, and then you put out this record and they’re like ‘whoa, we had no idea. We just thought you were the guitar player or the piano player’ or whatever. I think a big part of releasing a record is showing your peers what you’re up to.

Much: Having played in a lot of bands in the past, do you find it sort of lonely doing your own solo thing?

Bahamas: Yeah, absolutely. When you’re playing in a band there’s really a camaraderie that can’t really be recreated. You’re just together all the time and you’re doing everything together: every meal, and you’re sleeping and travelling and you’re really thinking as a three or four-headed monster. When you’re travelling alone and you have a really great moment and there’s no one there to share it with, you’re kind of like [sighs]. But that being said, when I’m on tour usually I play with a drummer and I’m fortunate enough again to play with really good friends and good players. So it’s not too often that I’m alone or like ‘poor me’.

Much: You’ve always been a guitar player and a piano player, but have you always been a singer?

Bahamas: Yeah. In high school I had some shitty punk bands, and then your voice settles. Then you finally find your place and I’m really grateful for that cause I struggled for a long time, as most guys do. You open your mouth to sing and something comes out and you’re like ‘is that really what my voice sounds like?’ Then you’re trying to find it and push it a little in this range and it’s sometimes uncomfortable. But somehow over the last few years it’s just become kind of effortless. So it’s been really fun to kind of find my voice again. But yeah I’ve always been singing.

Much: What’s the significance of the name Bahamas?

Bahamas: I wish I had a more interesting story. When we were recording, as I realized we were making a record, I had a list of names and we were recording we had been swimming and just barbequing in the summertime and just hanging out, and [Bahamas] just seemed to jump out and sort of fit the tone of the record – like a little more relaxed or something like that.

Much: It’s almost got a tropical vibe to it.

Bahamas: Absolutely. I think if it conjures up those images for people then that’s not a bad thing for me. I’ll save some of the other, more obscure names for my metal side projects. [laughs]

Much: Can we be expecting those any time soon? Maybe you and Jason Collett?

Bahamas: [laughs] Maybe, maybe. We’ll see; he’s pretty busy too.

Much: A lot of your songs have a homesick theme to them, did you write them while you were on tour?

Bahamas: Yeah I did. I think like most people you begin writing about your surroundings and what you’re a part of and I was away for a long time. That’s a topic and theme that’s been explored by songwriters for a long time, but it’s because that’s your reality. It’s one of those things like when you’re away you’re really pining for your family and your home and the idea of being at home and what that means, and then once you get home and you get into the routine of being home you’re like ‘shit, I can’t wait to go away’.

Much: So you miss being on the road?

Bahamas: Well I just came home from tour a few days ago, and [the Bonfire Ball] tour will start tomorrow basically. But yeah I really like [touring] and travelling and I’ve been fortunate to be able to see a lot of the world playing music and it’s amazing.

Much: You’re playing CMW, what do you think distinguishes Canadian music from the rest?

Bahamas: Canada’s a big place, so there’s qualities of music from Halifax that’s very different from Toronto, or Vancouver or the Prairies and French music is very much its own thing. So for me I can speak to Toronto music a little more I think. The community I’m involved with is pretty real, it’s pretty organic. It’s just guys who are hoping to write better songs than their last record and play better. When I picture music in LA, or even music in New York or other sort of metropolises – even Montreal is a little artier – they have dance bands or more modern sounding bands. I guess when I think of Canadian Music Week and music here I think of guys and guitars.

Much: Do you have an artist or band that you consider a musical guilty pleasure?

Bahamas: I think my most guilty pleasure these days is listening to my new unreleased album. I don’t know if it’s some vanity or something. I just recorded some new stuff and it’s pretty hard to not listen to it cause it wasn’t there, and then I made it, and now its there. So I’m sort of listening to it, and I call it squeering – which is like squinting but with your ears – and you’re really critically checking out what’s there and decide if you’re going to show it to anyone else. I would say that’s my most guilty pleasure, hopefully it doesn’t go on for long.

Much: Are you planning on releasing it anytime soon?

Bahamas: I’d like to, I’m just on tour so I’m not really in a rush basically. If people will keep asking me to play, then I’ll gladly play and just put out the record when I have time.

Much: Any chance of any of your friends from the Bonfire Ball collaborating with you on your next album?

Bahamas: Oh, absolutely. Like I said I’ve been playing with these guys for so long, and we’re just constantly crossing paths so it really wouldn’t be unlikely for that to happen.

Toronto was still a buzz as Canadian Music Week moved into its second day Thursday. The city gets an energy this time of year that almost rivals the excitement of September’s Toronto International Film Festival. I stopped by the second of three Eye Weekly showcases to check out the diverse set. Check out my reviews after the jump.

First Rate People
First Rate People are a part folk-rock, part soul, part dance group of talented youngsters who play pop music about puberty and crashing your girlfriend’s girl’s night.

Stage Presence: A
First Rate People warm your heart with their positivity during CMW, a festival that can sometimes come off as too cool for school.

Stage Banter: A
These kids definitely made it clear that they are just the kind of people you want to befriend, with their self-deprecating humour and smart pop-culture references.

Actual Talent: B+
The band had a great balance of ballads, dance tracks and even incorporated beats and samples. Also, you have to love a co-ed band with sugary sweet vocals.

Audience Response: B
It always sucks being the first band up in a stellar line-up so First Rate People were stuck with people slowly streaming in.

Potential for Superstardom: A+
This band has the poppy coolness of Vampire Weekend while being young, cute and relatable. Plus, one of the singers has Justin Bieber bangs.

Overall Grade: A

Extra Credit: Singing a song about Jacob from the TV show Lost. Amazing

Diamond Rings
Diamond Rings is the colourful, androgynous and oh so cool solo dance act helmed by Johnny O also of The D’Urbervilles.

Stage Presence: A+
If Diamond Ring’s Johnny O has one thing going for him, it is his stage persona. His gender bending musical identity is one part Karen O and one part David Bowie.

Stage Banter: C+
Diamond Rings kept the audience interaction to a minimum, but somehow I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. His quiet, mysteriousness adds to the impression that he is performing for himself and no one else.

Actual Talent: A-
Johnny O’s smooth, deep voice is the epitome of listenable and he is a master of the synthesizer. Not to mention his talent shines through his command of the stage.

Audience Response: A
The audience was easily enthralled by Diamond Rings’ peacockish display along with his danceable songs.

Potential for Superstardom: A
Johnny O is already making a name for himself with his other musical project The D’Urbervilles and if his talent outlasts the novelty of his look, superstardom is definitely eminent.

Overall Grade: B+

Extra Credit: The rainbow unicorn tapestry draped in front of his synthesizer.

Fields of Fur
Fields of Fur are a rock trio lead by Holy F-ck member Brian Borcherdt. This show was a rare one. Fields of Fur have no songs of their MySpace and no shows booked to come.

Stage Presence: B
The band is three shows old so they have yet to cement their on-stage rolls. But, the band members aren’t newbies to the stage themselves (bass player Anna Edwards is from the band Foxfire) so it won’t be long before they are confident with their new band.

Stage Banter: B
Lead singer Brian Borcherdt stuck with the gracious “Thank you for being heres” and the standard pre-song blurbs but missed out on the relatable stage raport.

Actual Talent: A
This band knows what they are doing. Despite their youth, it is clear that they are each veterans of their respective instruments because of the stripped down simplicity of their music.

Audience Response: B-
It must be said that for an indie three-piece to follow Diamond Rings is an unfortunate line-up decision and even Brian Borcherdt’s minor celebrity wasn’t quite able to quiet the chit-chatty crowd.

Potential for Superstardom: B+
Lead singer Brian Borcherdt already has two other successful projects on the go, a solo project and Holy F-ck. He will have to find the time to focus on Fields of Fur for it to be as popular as his other music.

Overall Grade: B+

Extra Credit: Nabbing a second to last spot in a popular Canadian Music Week showcase for their third show.

Cadence Weapon
Cadence Weapon is a poetic Canadian rapper. His CMW set was a self-described experiment which more closely resembled a rock show.

Stage Presence: A+
Cadence Weapon is incredibly charming and exciting to watch. His on stage presence almost dares the audience to do the impossible, look away.

Stage Banter: A+
Cadence weapon is a master at the type of stage banter I love the most, story telling. He keeps the crowd tuned in between songs with stories from his Canada Reads failure to the trials of testing out a new musical format.

Actual Talent: A+
The category of “Actual Talent” almost becomes laughable when you think about Cadence Weapon. He lies somewhere between talented and a mastermind.

Audience Response: A-
A lot of the audience members I talked to were at The Garrison for the sole purpose of checking out Cadence Weapon and it showed. Even the most jaded, head-bobbers in the crowd were inspired to move when he jumped down among the masses.

Potential for Superstardom: A
For Cadence Weapon to become a superstar he won’t have far to go. If this CMW show gave a taste of what his new rap/rock album will be like, he definitely is teetering on the edge of explosion.

Overall Grade: A+

Extra Credit: Cadence Weapon’s drummer is Gordon Lightfoot’s son.

Check back tomorrow for my review of tonight’s Lee’s Palace show with Winter Gloves, The Russian Futurists, The Acorn and more. Also, look out for more about Cadence Weapon and Diamond Rings coming soon.

Florence Welch is the lead singer of the band Florence + the Machine. Florence Welch is a machine.

Florence Welch’s distinctive voice intertwines beautifully with harps, strings and drums as she sings her inimitable ’soul-inspired indie’ and ‘Tim Burton-style fairytales’.
-Paul Epworth

If you’re not familiar with Florence Welch by now, I could easily go on and scold you for hours on end. Then again, she is all the way from from London, England. The thing is, though, that her freaking incredible talent is capable of travelling over the Atlantic. She’s that boomin’. This woman has talent beyond belief. Don’t believe me? Listen to THIS. So great.

Anyhow, this’ll preeee’ much just be a little bit of an expose of her career so far, but since she’s only released one album, it will be more of a “briefly deconstruct each song from Lungs (her debut album)” type thing. But who knows. I could easily go off into a Florence fiesta-type tangent and never even finish this blog. Who knows.

Lungs, which once again is Florence’s first album, was released in mid-2009. Of course, Lungs hit #1 in the UK and in just a month sold over 100,000 copies in the UK alone. 6 (six!!!!) singles sprung from the record, only to pull Florence even further into the spotlight. Since 2009, Florence + the Machine has raked in eight awards: “Best International Band”, “Mastercard British Album”, “Musician of the Year”, etc etc. The list goes on - trust me. Florence says that Lungs is mainly about a breakup that she had with a boyfriend. “…I spilled your blood upon the floor. You broke my leg in return…” Harsh breakup; great music.

[Editor's note: my name is Wendy, and I approve of this blog - after all, Lungs was my favourite album of 2009.]

Carry on for track analysis!

Track Analysis:

1. “Dog Days Are Over”
This is the kind of song that would save a really shitty album. By no means am I saying that Lungs is a shitty album, though. On the contrary, really. This song is really great and all, but not my favourite on the album or anything. Upbeat and spunky almost. A nice wide variety of instruments. Tambourines! Nevermind. I love this song.
[Editor's note: Fie!! "Dog Days" is definitely in my top 3 of the album. The last 30 seconds alone is worth the price of admission; when was the last time you ever felt such joy in a song?]

2. “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”
Like the song says: “We raise it up… raise it up…” The song is sort of in neutral until about 1:05. That’s when it e-x-p-l-o-d-e-s. The talk of King Midas, lion-hearted girls and so on and so forth makes me happy. I’d rank this numero #3 on the album.

3. “I’m Not Calling You A Liar”
I particularly like this song because of the vocals. Come on. They’re tremendous. I don’t even care about the music here. I could listen to her talk for hour on end. I don’t even care. Wicked voice.

4. “Howl”
Without a doubt, best song on the album. It fully represents what she’s trying to convey through Lungs: power, soulfulness, grandness, bliss. I could listen to this song on repeat for hours on end; the reality is that I do, though. It’s just so bold, loud and *shudder*… beautiful.
[Editor's note: I disagree - not the best song, but definitely at least third best. :)]

5. “Kiss With A Fist”
Most upbeat song on the album, forshiz. It’s funny, really. As Florence describes her and a guy literally beating the living shit out of each other, you can’t help but dance (or do something of the same nature) to the beat of the song. There’s really nothing like having a plate smashed over your head that makes you want to get up and dance.
[Editor's note: If you're one of the 7 people who saw Jennifer's Body, you totally heard this track in the movie.]

6. “Girl With One Eye”
This one I mainly like for the lyrics. Check ‘em out: [here]

7. “Drumming Song”
Kinda like “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up),” this tune is a “build-up-y… BAM” type of song. And who doesn’t like one of those? There’s also bongos in the song I think. WHO DOESN’T LOVE BONGOS???
[Editor's Note: Dude, I LAHV this song. So, so much. Don't be afraid to get tribal in your apartment when the last minute hits.]

8. “Between Two Lungs”
Me like. Me like a lot. Her voice here, too, is just killer. I guess that’s why Wendy said [here] that when “she opens her mouth to sing…instantly the crowd is her bitch.” Evidence, ma friends.
[Editor's Note: Wendy is me! I'm Wendy! Weeeeee.]

9. “Cosmic Love”
Warning: After listening, check your speakers for bleeding. So good. If you were going to listen to one song off of the album, let this be it. Second favourite song on the album.
[Editor's Note: I don't get it. The whole world loves "Cosmic Love" but it's a grower for me (still growing).]

10. “My Boy Builds Coffins”
This song got off to a slow start with me. I didn’t really give it a chance, though. Compared to Florence’s bold-…ity in some other song, it can be hard to realize that this really is a brilliant song. The lyrics, the vocals. But most of all, it gives you a wicked fuzzy feeling inside. Not sure why. Nice though.
[Editor's Note: I love it. That's all. Always did, always will.]

11. “Hurricane Drunk”
I love the swingy sorta beat that this one entails. I also notice a bit more harp in this song that any other song. Harp is good! In a bad mood? “Hurricane Drunk” won’t only make you feel better; it will make you feel f*cking fantastic!

12. “Blinding”
VOCALS! That is all.

13. “You’ve Got The Love”
Second favourite song! Harps! Vocals! Lyrics! Florence! Amazeballs! It all seems to come together here. It’s obvious that Florence wanted to end the album on a high note with an upbeat, hot track, but this is ridiculous!!! This song makes me drool. I love it.
[Editor's Note: One of the clear favourites when she performed live; you might recognize it from the last episode of Sex And The City .. or if you're old like me, this version.].

So, let’s take a step back and take a look at what we’ve discovered. Florence had an amazing, soulful, powerful voice. She writes interesting and entertaining lyrics. She uses instruments (did I mention the harp?) to her extreme advantage. Her voice pretty much just meshes with anything and everything. She’s just amazing.

Now, there’s no way in hell I would have written this all up for no reason! I command you *shakes fist* to listen to what I’ve said… and LISTEN TO FLORENCE. Because afterall: Florence is a machine.

EDITOR’S ADDITION:
Hey. What’s up. First of all, what he said (all of it). Get down with Flo.
Second of all, I bought the deluxe version of Lungs on iTunes (HIGHLY RECOMMEND). I will now do a track-by-track rundown of the BONUS SONGS!!!

“Bird Song Intro”
A short instrumental that I adore. Upbeat, happy, fairy-tale like. I was disappointed to not hear it live, but then I realized most artists don’t toy with their extra songs on promo tours.

“Bird Song”
The intro leads directly into this, a whimsical tune that took me a few listens but now I would for sure put it in my top 7 Flo tunes. The story is so strange, but that’s Florence, and that’s why like her.

“Dog Days Are Over (demo)”
A more stripped back version of the one heard on the album - not as lush and layered, but the “we-just-recorded-this-in-a-basement!!!” feel is just as infectious.

“Falling”
Ok, not gonna lie. A skipper for me; but I think cause I just haven’t paid attention to it yet.

“Hardest of Hearts”
A foggy forest, doom-filled kinda tune that is of course performed well, but not a big spinner for me.

“Swimming”
Somehow this fell by the wayside in my early days, but I discovered it a few months ago and now I can’t get enough. I really love how FATM use drums & rhythms in all tracks - some stronger and more hard-hitting than others. “The Drumming Song” is (duh) on the extreme side, whereas “Swimming” feels a little less pound-ier, but more peppy-er. I don’t know what I’m really saying here - it just feels so, so good.

* Lil Wayne has been banned from signing autographs while in jail. A representative from Rikers Island has said of the jail “Lil Wayne is not a celebrity in here.” If you’re banning him from giving his autograph then I think he is.

* Heidi Montag will be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Adam Sandler film, Just Go With It. I’ll assume the role doesn’t require her to express much emotion with her face…and by much, I mean none.

* While talking about her new show The Price of Beauty, Jessica Simpson revealed that she rarely brushes her teeth and just uses Listerine or wipes her teeth with her sweater. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - she’s damn lucky she’s pretty and can sing.

* More pictures from the Sex and The City 2 set have been leaked and they look goooood. Eleven more weeks til it’s time to whip out the heels and dresses for the premiere!

Holy F**k used Chatroulette today to announce that their new album “Latin” will be released on May 11. “Latin” will be the follow-up to the band’s Polaris-nominated album “LP”.

The band will also be using Chatroulette to stream their first single from “Latin” called “Latin America” today. Unfortunately you have to be willing to hit the “next” button possibly thousands of times before you get to hear the tune. Not sure if Holy F**k will start a trend with the whole Chatroulette streaming concept, but props to the band for originality.

Hi er’body! It’s fri-dizzle, which means it’s time to talk about movies! This weekend is packed pretty dang tight with lotsa good stuff! Check out all the movies coming out today, plus pictures from the premiere of She’s Out of My League, (check out the random red carpet guest at the end) after the jump!

Remember Me: Robert Pattinson plays Tyler, a rebellious youth, who falls for a free spirit named Ally, played by Emilie de Raven. Family tragedies and secrets threaten to tear the young couple apart. And then they become Vampires. Just kidding.

The Green Zone: Matt Damon plays a US Army Officer who goes rogue while hunting Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East. This is the third film together for Damon and director Paul Greengrass, who have also worked together on two of the Bourne films.

Family Wedding: America Ferrara and Forrest Whittaker star in this comedy about a young couple trying to walk down the aisle and deal with the competing families at the same time. The film also stars Regina King.

She’s Out of My League: Jay Baruchel stars in a comedy about a guy who is a perfect 5 falling for a girl who is a perfect 10. Of course, his friends and family are supportive in his quest for love - not!

Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas have teamed up to record the song Make a Wave for the upcoming Disney flick Oceans. These two crazy kids have gone ahead and recorded a music video for the song and we’ve got it for you!

I had no idea that a music video made at the beach could be so un-sexy. They have set a new standard. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a Disney video. But, Miley Cyrus also works for Disney. I think I’ve made my point.

Check out the video (hey, at least the animals are cute) after the jump!

Every celeb from Madonna to Avril has their own clothing line, but who has a make-up line? The always impeccably manicured Adam Lambert! Lambert is set to launch a make-up line for men that includes ‘guyliner’ (eyeliner for guys), foundation, concealer, eye shadow, mascara, lip gloss and nail polish.

Lambert says that he feels men, regardless of their sexual orientation, want to experiment with cosmetics. I’m sure Pete Wentz and Dave Navarro will be among his list of celeb fans.

Want more Adam Lambert? Be sure to check out his Artists Page right here.

Taylor Swift has launched her own iPhone app. The app gives you access to tons of cool features including Swift’s tweets, her fan forum, new music and lots of photos and videos. It even has a tour date feature that tracks your location and shows you upcoming T-Swift tour dates in your area. Very cool!

Here’s the best part: it’s free! You can download the app on iTunes.

I remember being incredibly impressed when Alicia Keys first broke out on the scene. I was in my tweens, bored of the bubble-pop music and needed something fresh and original in my Sony discman – and in comes this New Yorker with braids and a swagga of her own, singing about self-worth and love with a killa attitude. And she’s pretty much been a part of the music industry’s elite since.

So seeing an artist that I’ve had an immense amount of respect for since I was a lil’ one LIVE… well, I feel pretty darn blessed. And slightly more self-conscious, seeing how Ms.Keys is the epitome of perfection. *sniff*

…alright, alright. Let’s get on with the review, shall we?

Toronto-native Melanie Fiona filled the spot as the first opening act, performing with a spunk and attitude that made her fit to open for Alicia Keys. While there weren’t many people who knew this Grammy nominated songstress, she rocked the stage with her in-yo-face choreography and vocals. Kardinal Offishall came out to support Melanie at the end of her set, both waving Canadian flags with pride.

Robin Thicke shut.it.down. as the second opening act. I’ve never been a huge fan of his work, but I am sure that all females in the ACC were reconsidering their relationships because of his swooning vocals, hip movements, and provocative lyrics. If Mr. Suave didn’t melt you into putty last night, then you possess the force, my friends. Thicke ended his set by jamming with his band to ‘A Milli’ by Weezy, which certainly set the crowd off in preparation for Alicia Keys.

As for Alicia herself: FEE. NOM. EEE. NAL.

“The Freedom Tour” was a story told through a series of songs and well-constructed narration that delivered inspiring messages of persistence, strength, hope, self-empowerment, and love. Alicia, with supa-poyfect curly hair and blingy leggings arrived on the stage held in a cage while the opening of “Caged Bird” played. As she freed herself, she belted out “Love is Blind”, getting the crowd energized for what would certainly be an incredible night.

There was no way she could do any wrong with the show. She’s released four solid albums, each spawning Top 40 anthems for all ages, and she has one of the most gawgeous voices all around – no matter what was performed, you felt like you were a part of her journey and felt her presence. Words of encouragement, paired with quotes and pop art images of some of the most respected humanitarians lit up the screen, only enhancing Alicia’s messages during the show.

The main set list was hit after hit, ballad after ballad, with a few surprising selections like “Pray for Forgiveness” and “Go Ahead”. I found that the quieter moments of the show, like “Diary” and “Un-thinkable” were the most powerful. I was holding out on the hope that she would play a little more from Songs in A Minor, but a gal’s gotta promote what a gal’s gotta promote – that being her fourth disc, The Element of Freedom (not that her new material isn’t amazing, but I like to kick it old school).

Alicia’s warm and fierce attitude shined during the show as she rocked it on the piano, keytar, and even through some choreography. Confidence exuding, Alicia tied up the show with a delicious encore. As she played around with sampler before getting into “Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart”, the screams became deafening and the crowd really became active, a highlight as many stayed in their seats for the show.

I unfortunately was told to sit down by a dude behind me for majority of the show, but my momma had none of that shiz when Alicia brought out “No One”, grabbing my hand and serenading me as if she was a back-up singer on that stage. Loves it!

To end it off, Alicia performed “Empire State of Mind Part II (Broken Down)”, her take on the original that she was featured on by Jay-Z, having everyone sing the infamous “In New York” hook before taking her final bow for the night.

Set List
Caged Bird
Love is Blind
You Don’t Know my Name
Fallin’
Another Way to Die
Karma
Like the Sea
I Need You
Pray for Forgiveness
Diary
Like You’ll Never See Me Again
Wait Til’ You See My Smile
Go Ahead
Put It in a Love Song
Un-thinkable

Encore
Sleeping with a Broken Heart
Superwoman
If I Ain’t Got You
No One
Empire State of Mind Part II (Broken Down)

[Photo Courtesy of Getty Images]

The past and present women of The Runaways were all looking fionne and rawkin’ the red carpet at the the movie premiere last night! Check out all the pics, after da jump!

There are several things that make Friday the second best day of the week (following Saturday): new movie releases, tasty beverages, general ‘I don’t give an F’ attitude and of course, going to sleep and not waking up until you FEEL like it. BUT NOW IT’S EVEN BETTER, OMAGAW.

See, today’s the day we give away a pair of concert tickets via Twitter. This week you can score tickets to see Dashboard Confessional & Michou @ Kool Haus in Toronto on Thursday, March 18!

Find out how to win after the jump!

To win tickets on Twitter, tweet this message:

It’s free Ticket Friday! RT @muchmusic for your chance to see Dashboard Confessional in Toronto on March 18! More info: http://bit.ly/7vSUc

We’ll pick a winner and notify them by Monday!

Can’t wait? Click here to buy tickets! And check out photos & video from past concerts!

GO GET ‘EM CHAMP!

PS: Read rules & regs

Ever since the cat was let out of the bag during the Olympics, Canada has been waiting to hear and see what K’naan was cooking up in Bryan Adams’ Vancouver studio. We’ve been teasing it like crazy, and now, without further ado, here is the all-star version of “Wavin’ Flag.” (A complete list of the performers is listed after the embedded video).

K’naan
Nelly Furtado
Avril Lavigne
Sam Roberts
Jully Black
Josh Ramsay (Marianas Trench)
Jay Malinowski (Bedouin Soundclash)
Chin Injeti
Jacob Hoggard (Hedley)
Emily Haines (Metric)
Pierre Bouvier (Simple Plan)
Tyler Connolly (Theory Of A Deadman)
Kardinal Offishall
James Shaw (Metric)
Hawksley Workman
Drake
Ima
Elisapie Isaac
Pierre Lapointe
Esthero
Red 1 (Rascalz)
Lights
Deryck Whibley (Sum 41)
Serena Ryder
City & Colour
Arkells
Pat Kordyback (Stereos)
Dave Faber (Faber Drive)
Brandon Lehti (The Latency)
The Canadian Tenors
Lamar Ashe
Colin James
Nikki Yanofski
Suzie McNeil
Stephen Moccio
Aoin Clarke
Justin Bieber
Torquil Campbell (Stars)
Corb Lund
Fefe Dobson
Kathleen Edwards
Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo)
Shiloh
Stacey McKitrick
Jessie Farrell
Colin McDonald
Justin Nozuka
Jim Creeggan
Tom Cochrane
Kevin Parent
Hayley Sales
Matt Mays
Broken Social Scene

Robert Pattinson is talking about his music career again.

Speaking with UK tabloid The Sun, R-Patz said he’s getting impatient watching all of his friends put their albums out.

“I want to do one [an album] at the end of the year,” he said. “All my friends are recording albums and I’m very annoyed about it. I don’t know how people can act and also sing. I’ll find some time to do it.”

As every Twihard knows, every girl’s favourite brooding vamp proved his singing chops when his song “Never Think” appeared on the Twilight soundtrack in 2008.

Pattinson’s new vampire-free film, Remember Me opens today in theatres everywhere.

It’s here. In all of its product-placing, potty-mouthing, lit-cigarette-sunglasses-wearing, prison-fighting, Pussy-Wagon-driving, honey-poisoning, mass-murdering glory.

Nuff said.

Enjoy!

Check out some more great clips that will give you a sneak peek at the Young Artists for Haiti “Wavin’ Flag” video that premieres tonight at midnight on MuchMusic!

One lucky fan will get the chance to be Jay Sean’s assistant for a day! Teen Magazine J-14 announced they’re holding a contest to be Jay Sean’s personal assistant for a day, as well as have a photo shoot with the R&B sensation in New York. All you have to do is call 212.863.9215 and explain why you should win.

Check out more deets here.

TMZ reporter Nina Parker gave us the scoop on Corey Feldman’s reaction to Corey Haim’s death yesterday. In the clip she explains that Feldman is not doing well, and that he was awoken yesterday by his family members telling him Haim had died.

According to Access Hollywood, Haim’s mother was told today that Haim’s cause of death was pulmonary congestion. When Haim’s body was found, he had an enlarged heart and water in his lungs.

Check out the clip below:

Slash gave us the scoop last night on why he chose Fergie as a guest vocalist on his upcoming album. According to Slash, Fergie is a rock singer at heart making her the perfect fit for the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist. He says:

Well I knew her when she was a closet rock and roll singer. I’d heard her do it and I was blown away by her ability. It’s a trip cause in the pop realm shes one thing but to really know her and what she likes to do it something else. So she had this great voice and I had this one song that I thought “Fergie should sing on this!”

Check out the clip below: