Explosions in the Sky burst onto centre stage | Toronto Star A crowd of 3,000 were drawn by the Austin-based instrumental quintet to the Sound Academy for a 90-minute, encore-free show that dragged. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sat Oct 08 2011 Explosions in the Sky is no longer on the fringe. When you draw a paying college and university crowd of 3,000 to the Sound Academy,…
“Pumped Up Kicks” still running for Foster the People | Toronto Star L.A. group’s momentum from deathless single takes them to Sound Academy. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 28 2011 With its bubbly melody, whistle-happy chorus and slightly funky dance beat, Foster The People’s Top 10 hit “Pumped Up Kicks” seemed the perfect candidate for 2011’s official breezy summer anthem. It wasn’t until…
Marnie Stern makes guitar her own | Toronto Star Highly personal sound keeps it interesting for indie musician bound for Wrongbar. New York guiatarist Marnie Stern tries to keep it interesting. Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Tue Sep 20 2011 Throughout the history of contemporary music, the domain of the lightning-fingered guitar hero has been inextricably defined by testosterone-driven DNA. But for every six-string trailblazer…
Entertainment / Music Lark of covering pop hits taking attention from diverse new tunes from Wilco, coming to Massey Hall for two nights. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Sep 14 2011 A few days after becoming a YouTube viral sensation with his surprising acoustic guitar recitatives of the Black Eyed Peas hits “I Gotta Feeling,” “Rock That Body” and “My Humps,” Wilco principal Jeff Tweedy…
Urban renewal, thanks to country | Toronto Star Keith Urban’s prowess and that of his crack band coaxed fresh depth out of his songs at the Air Canada Centre. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Sun Sep 11 2011 Many have talked the talk when it comes to promising something innovative in a country music concert format, but at the Air Canada Centre over the weekend, Keith Urban…
