New Toronto-themed Podcast Debuts June 5th

Toronto’s arts and culture community has a new voice: This Is Toronto, an audio podcast that shines a spotlight on the people, places and events that give life to this great city. This Is Toronto will not focus on the “big-ticket” names and occasions. Instead, the program will feature items that enrich Toronto’s cultural atmosphere.…

CD Review: Metric – Fantasies

The press release for Metric’s new album, Fantasies, stated that the title was intended to evoke a dream-inspired feeling. The suggested feeling does occur as the material seems to be motivated by subconscious thoughts. Listening to Fantasies in one sitting is very similar to an actual dream. The album’s tone and emotion changes frequently, even…

CD Review: Peter Project – The Peter Project LP

Peter Project’s self titled album is a fascinating experience. It is also an album that will have its supporters and opponents. This recent release by the Toronto-based DJ features electronic sounds with a hip-hop influence. Peter Project himself refers to it as “electro 60s a go-go.” The album has many creative mixes, as well as…

CD Review: The Bicycles – Oh No, It’s Love

Since it was announced recently that The Bicycles are on hiatus, it’s only fair to take a look at their recent album. That way, we’ll realize just how much we’re going to miss this enjoyable indie group from Toronto. Oh No, It’s Love (2008) is the follow-up to 2006’s The Good, The Bad and The…

CD Review: APlotAgainstMe – Deuce

It’s ironic that Ottawa’s APlotAgainstMe has christened their new album Deuce, as it perfectly describes what to expect: an album with two distinctive appearances. Deuce is an independent release by the hard rock group and features ten tracks which are dark and intense, and are reminiscent of material produced by Tool, Marilyn Manson and Metallica.…

Some rambling on space exploration

Something else to thank Doug Drexler’s blogging in recent weeks for here. By way of introduction: Drexler’s been an award-winning makeup artist, scenic artist and now CGI designer/animator – please forgive me for not getting the titles precisely, Doug? – on shows from Star Trek: All the Modern TV Series from Next Generation to Enterprise…

Canadian Content Can Be Supported But Can’t Be Protected Anymore

The internet age is here. That means that despite the wishes of Sirius and others that we can no longer protect Can Con on the airwaves. That does not mean that it cannot be subsidized. It can and should get subsidies. In addition to arguing for increased government subsidies I’ve come up with a number…