[Click here for Day 1 and here for Day 2]
Sadly, earlier obligations have taken me away from the third night of M for Montreal. Which is a shame considering that the lineup includes Melissa Auf der Maur, Champion and Polaris Music Prize winner, F*cked up. Nevertheless, here’s a preview of the evening:
Orange Orange (Los Angeles): Close your eyes and you might think you were listening to Green Day outtakes from American Idiot. Listen to “Each Other” and you’ll see what I mean.
Xavier Cafiene [sic] (Montreal): French-language emo? Maybe.
Misstress [sic] Barbara (Montreal): A friend of Sam Roberts, this Scicilian-born electronica DJ was raised in Montreal. You might have already heard “I’m Running,” the duet she did with Roberts.
Melissa Aur der Maur (Montreal, but now a citizen of the world): I had a soft spot for Melissa for years and I’m relieved to see that here AWOL-ness caused by some bad record company juju has been solved. I’m so sorry I can’t stick around to see this set because it’s guaranteed to be excellent.
Malajuble (Montreal): Short-listed for this year’s Polaris Music prize, these guys will no doubt be treated like hometown heroes. “Ursuline” is a cool song.
Champion and ses G-Strings (Montreal): The artist formerly known as “DJ Champion” has a new singer, a new album and a new plan. If you haven’t heard “Alive Again,” click the link. Once you’re done that, review the greatness that was “No Heaven.” (Postscript: Ex-Champion singer Bonny Bonafassi and her new band, Beast are scheduled to play a secret set tonight. I wonder if it’ll get awkward?)
F*cked Up (Toronto): What a terrific way to end the festival. This year’s Polaris Music Prize winners will make people thing twice about attempting go to the closing after party.