If you followed AUX’s coverage of NXNE this past week(end), you’ll notice that we had a really great time. We love when our city is mobilized to the streets and venues and Twitter for a communal event. But perhaps more interesting than watching the event unfold through the eyes of (mostly) Torontonians, or at least Canadians, is reading a recap of the festival from the eyes of an American visiting NXNE and Toronto for the first time.

The wonderful A.V. Club sent writer Steven Hyden to cover the festival for the weekend, and today he posted his take on it all. Using SXSW as a marker, he finds the festival and its music programming underwhelming, along with our pizza and free BBQs, but notes that he likes the “buxom brunettes in fishnets” (wtf?), so, at least he got that out of it.

“Looking over the lineup of more than 600 bands, I couldn’t say I was familiar with many of the names. It was a sensation not unlike driving through Canada, which superficially seems like home, but hides its differences in details like kilometer markings and Molson beer signs.”

It’s a funny, interesting read; the full article is right here.

Today’s NXNE Yonge-Dundas Square Schedule:

4:00 PM ET: Mamabolo
5:00 PM ET: Reema Major
6:00 PM ET: Tanika Charles & The Wonderfuls
7:00 PM ET: D-Sisive
8:00 PM ET: Digable Planets
9:00 PM ET: The Pharcyde

Featuring Devo, Whaletooth, Shad, DD/MM/YYYYY, and more!

@ NXNE: Sunday, June 19, 2:00 p.m.

You probably know Paul Quarrington as a writer.  He penned the novel Whale Music, a thinly veiled fiction about reclusive rock genius Brian Wilson (who’s receiving a Hall of Fame award at NXNE this year) and King Leary which won 1988′s Stephen Leacock Award. He wrote screenplays and produced TV series, but Quarrington was also a musician, singing and playing lead guitar for the roots band Porkbelly Futures.

The band is the focus of this profile that captures the final months of Quarrington’s prolific life.  The bard is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, yet he insists on touring with his band, producing their new release and recording his own.  Quarrington is as tough as a soldier, but he’s no saint.  His ex-wife will tell you that, though she’s obviously still fond of the man.

To his credit, director Bert Kish doesn’t lionize Quarrington but presents a fond, yet even-handed portrait of the artist in his final days.  The only fault is the narration which is unnecessary and obtrusive.  Surprisingly, Life in Music is not a gloomy production.  There are no doctors or intensive care units, just stages and studios.  The film is full of life even as the end approaches.

Friends and admirers speak of him including fellow writers Roddy Doyle, Wayson Choy and Dave Bidini, his bandmates, Dan Hill who grew up with Quarrington in Don Mills, Toronto, and Quarrington’s children.  All in all, a fitting tribute to a talented man.

trailer:
http://youtu.be/YyVvk4M2Pj4

REVIEWS FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 18

DD/MM/YYYY @ Yonge Dundas Square, 4 p.m.
Watching Toronto’s experimental ingénues play fearlessly under the hot summer sun deserved more than just a handful of passersby, but as is the case with afternoon timeslots—regardless of venue size and its corresponding worth—often deserving bands don’t earn the recognition they’re owed. However, despite the lack of attendance, DD/MM/YYYY lived up to the stage size as well as their reputation, with a dynamic performance topped only by the appearance of two large, foil balloons that brought as much as joy as the band brought energy. Unfortunately for them, their fans are aware that YDS pales in comparison to letting loose within the tight confines of a dimly lit nightclub, and that bold experimentation isn’t synonymous with a tourist hotspot on a Saturday afternoon. (Anne Donahue)

Dirty Beaches @ Yonge Dundas Square, 5 p.m.
If you caught the Polaris longlisted Dirty Beaches yesterday afternoon, you’ll relate to the nearly obsessive play and replaying of Badlands that’s dictated the soundtrack of my Sunday morning. Offering an honest, sincere and vulnerable interpretation of the ever-applauded record, mastermind Alex Zhang Hungtai relied not on antics, outlandishness or the gimmicks required of some solo artists, but on his instruments and his microphone, inviting the crowd into his world of understated darkness. Convincing the heat-stricken audience of his musical worth, Hungtai abolished the worries of those concerned with the appropriateness of an afternoon timeslot (read: me), and transfixed those within earshot thanks to his nonchalant allure. Shortlist, he’s coming for you. (AD)

Devo @ Yonge Dundas Square, 9:30 p.m.
Proving that last year’s “How is this happening in Toronto”-ness of Yonge Street shutting down for a Stooges show wasn’t a fluke, Akron’s best weirdos ground traffic in the middle of the city to a standstill for an hour and a half set of inspired post-punk and new wave. The band’s core themes of human de-evolution ring as true today as they did when the “Mongoloid” single was first released in 1976; Devo are a punk band that has been allowed to age gracefully, because songs like “Uncontrollable Urge” make us much sense being sung by a 30 year-old as a 60 year-old. Highlights of the show included the numerous costume changes, demoing all the Devo looks we know and love, and an encore of “Freedom of Choice” which saw Mark Mothersbaugh emerge with boxes of snacks from backstage stuffed under his shirt, revealed and tossed in to the crowd at the song’s climax. (Sam Sutherland)

Humans @ Wrongbar, 10 p.m.
To get the patrons of Wrongbar to dance shortly after sunset is no small feat, but after a handful of attendees evolved into the makings of a humble-yet-overt dance party, the Vancouver two-piece proved that given a later timeslot and an at-capacity audience, they’d easily drench listeners with their bold brand of dance until all hours. However, as proven by preceding festivals, Saturday night is reserved for YDS headliners, and as the duo launched into their vivacious 40-minute set, the priorities of absent NXNE attendees were made quite obvious. Yet for no second did the band falter, as Humans treated their only appearance with integrity of seasoned veterans, making that short dance party even more worthwhile. (AD)

Wild Nothing @ Lee’s Palace as part of the AUX Showcase, 11:00 p.m.
Listening to Wild Nothing, the solo project of Blacksburg, Virginia’s Jack Tatum, is like driving with the windows down on a lonely stretch of highway in the summertime. There’s no pressure to move from other cars, the view around you is not obstructed and for some reason you can’t help but feel happy about your current situation. One could also say listening to Wild Nothing is also like putting on a record by an updated version of New Order or even further, The Smiths. Regardless, the band’s set last night at Lee’s Palace delivered a breath of fresh air to those present inside and perhaps a little optimism to those waiting in line outside. Their latest album, 2010′s Gemini, was on full display and included the stand-outs “Summer Holiday” and “Chinatown,” as well as a few new tracks set for a new record we hope will be released before the year is out. (Ciaran Thompson)

FRIDAY REVIEWS HERE.
THURSDAY REVIEWS HERE.
WEDNESDAY REVIEWS HERE.

REVIEWS FOR FRIDAY,
JUNE 17

Land of Talk @ 8:30 p.m., Yonge Dundas Square
Land of Talk played a big show in town not too long ago when they headlined a night at the Opera House during Canadian Music Week, and it was evident at Yonge Dundas Square that increasingly the band sound suited for the bigger spaces. Singer Liz Powell was so breezily confident and she led her band through a set of songs spanning their discography. Powell’s voice soars and her guitar grinds; on closer “The Hate I Won’t Commit” the band sounded huge and hard and could easily have been on the stage at the punk bill the night previous, not sandwiched between Diamond Rings and Stars. (Nicole Villeneuve)

Stars @ Yonge Dundas Square, 9:30 p.m.
Dripping with magic reserved only for shows under moonlight (or in this case, the bright fluorescents of Yonge Dundas Square), Stars’ headlining appearance was a reminder not only of their overall relevance, but why at one time we clung to their albums in moments of utter heartbreak. Oozing the combination of charisma, magic and charm unique to the Montreal five-piece, dream-pop came alive once more, evoking the beliefs we all shared upon hearing Heart in 2003. Despite being surrounded by the corporate agenda of Toronto’s most congested meeting place, we watched as our youths were articulated through timeless hooks and gut-wrenching harmonies, pining for days when overt enthusiasm wasn’t something to repress. (Anne Donahue)

Rusty @ 12 a.m., El Mocambo
The second of two Rusty reunion gigs at NXNE was at the Elmo on Saturday night and it can best be described in three words—bros, brews, and bangers. And broken bottles. And did we mention the bros? If you’re mid-to-late twenties and spent your teenage years immersed in the Canadian indie rock explosion of the time, you were at the Toronto grunge-groovers’ show and you had the best time. It’s that simple. The room exploded (including repeated crowdsurfing from the same guys) for every note; the singles, especially, but even the album cuts, and the band was incredibly appreciative, excited, and maybe even a little baffled (with just the perfect dose of aloofness) about the enthusiasm. Songs like “Empty Cell” had a whole new life to them, and it wasn’t just the nostalgia talking. (NV)

Dum Dum Girls @ Lee’s Palace, 11:00 p.m.
It’s been well over a year since Dum Dum Girls released their debut LP I Will Be, and for a band that’s done a hell of a lot of touring since its release, it’s understandable (maybe) to be a little jaded by playing older material. That’s essentially what it looked like last night at Lee’s Palace as the all-female quartet strolled through 45 minutes of lo-fi pop with ease, managing to throw a couple newer songs into the fray, including the title track from their latest EP, He Gets Me High. It was that and two other tracks from the band’s forthcoming LP (out in September?), that really got all four ladies and the crowd moving. It doesn’t sound like much has changed in the Dum Dum Girls camp sound-wise, so we should be expecting another solid effort of ’60s-infused, garage tunes. (Ciaran Thompson)

Crocodiles @ The Silver Dollar, 12 a.m.
Dub it garage, noise-rock, or the Jesus and Mary Chain-meets-the-it-band-du-jour, all gigs I witnessed last night paled in comparison to Crocodiles’ forceful, tireless, and authoritative set. The second of three nights promised to the Silver Dollar, the San Diego five-piece grabbed listeners by their proverbial throats and swung them around with manic tenacity of a band that wants you to feel. Joined briefly by three Dum Dum Girls (specifically singer Brandon Welchez’s wife, Dee Dee), rock and roll’s spirit endured a staggering resurrection, saturating listeners with the uncensored and crude tendencies of a genre once outlawed by mothers, fathers, and everyone in-between. Outlandish provocativeness never seemed so right. (AD)

Cults @ Lee’s Palace, 12:00 a.m.
I could have passed for their PR person due to the amount of people I advised to check out New York City duo Cults, and after their set at Lee’s Palace last night, I will again take on the advocate role and stress that a listen to their upcoming LP is a must… despite how they sounded at this show. Lead singer Madeline Follin’s vocals were turned way up to the point where it even startled her to hear how loud it was when reaching for those high notes, while the rest of the band, including guitarist Brian Oblivion, found it a little difficult to find their groove. The band’s forte is sweet and catchy, but most of the set sounded abrasive. What did sound great—and was probably one of the few times the crowd really appreciated the strength and poise of Follin—is when she elevated her voice during the chorus for “You Know What I Mean,” an absolute stunner of a song and a good sign of things to come. (CT)

AUX’s BEST BETS: SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Some killer stuff for the last full night of NXNE, and we gotta say, there’s enough amazing stuff to keep us ready for more. Have a look below at what we’ll be seeing tonight.

DEVO Have you ever seen Devo? I have never seen Devo. And here they are, the new wave kings and one of the world’s biggest cult band playing for free in the middle of downtown on a stage for thousands underneath where there are presumably stars. Best part of the Yonge Dundas stuff this year is the addition of two jumbo trons; you won’t need to worry about missing the sight of Mark Mothersbaugh and co. like we did Iggy Pop last year. Yonge Dundas Square, 9:30 PM

	HOT WATER MUSIC On-again off-again Gainsville punks are ON for a highly anticipated show at the Opera House, one of only a handful the band does at any given time. Fingers crossed for hearing some of the new stuff the band is finishing up; it’s been a long time and we want to make sure we made the right choice to not go see Devo. The Opera House, 735 Queen Street East, 10PM

HANDSOME FURS The Handsome Furs are getting set to release new album Sound Kapital next week so you can bet there’ll be some new material played at this show, and you can guarantee it will move you with its positivity. It’s impossible not to feel inspired watching people doing exactly what they love to do and that’s the case with this Montreal duo. Show up early because it seems like a ‘Furs set is always lined up when these festivals roll through town. The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, 1AM

TWIN SHADOW AUX is pleased to present Twin Shadow (aka George Lewis) at our well-stacked showcase; with just one album under his belt (one produced by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, natch) the ethereal New York indie pop artist has received a ton of critical praise and played/will be playing some of the biggest summer festival destinations. Like, all the cool people will be here. Lee’s Palace Saturday, 529 Bloor Street West, 12AM

CHAD VANGAALEN There seemed to be some confusion over the fact that eccentric and eclectic Calgarian folkie Chad VanGaalen’s newest album Diaper Island didn’t make the Polaris long list (since his two previous albums were short listed); the album is definitely another strong one. If the show is to reflect the heavier (well, heavier for him) sound on the new album, this could prove to be a hightlight of the festival. he Great Hall Saturday, 1087 Queen Street West, 12AM

Get the full festival schedule and artist details over at NXNE.com.

@ NXNE: Saturday, June 18, 6:45 p.m.

In 2005, Kathryn McCool, drove from Los Angeles to Sand Mountain, Alabama to photograph reclusive musician Cast King.  It was McCool’s chance to explore a land she had dreamed about while growing up in New Zealand.  In her childhood she staged photos to look like the American South of her imagination: cowboys, farmers, trailer parks.  Ever since she first heard a banjo, McCool felt the South calling her.

With a borrowed video camera, she chronicles her journey to Sand Mountain in a series of encounters.  There’s the old woman who runs a Christian motel where unmarried couples and threesomes are forbidden.  There’s one fellow who declares, “If I woke up one morning and found out I was a damn Yankee I’d shoot myself.”

Cast King used to record country sides for Sun Records in the fifties, then dropped out of the music business.  McCool finds him to be a grizzled, old man living in a brick house where he picks tunes on an acoustic guitar next to a broken TV.  His wife keeps his awards in a drawer.

King isn’t the only one making music.  Sand Mountain is full of country music played by God fearin’ people on fiddles and guitars in their homes.  It’s a poor place, “kind of friendly, but guarded,” concludes McCool.  Sand Mountain recalls Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus, but is more personal.  Both films succeed in connecting place to music, where a plaintive  banjo rings through the hillside, where wrongs are settled through the barrel of a shotgun, and where the Klan used to roam unfettered up until a generation ago.

McCool isn’t the first filmmaker to explore the musical culture of the south, but her outsider’s perspective is refreshing, naïve, but also honest.

trailer:
http://vimeo.com/14136149

Featuring Stars, Braids, Keys + Krates, Anti-Flag, Diamond Rings and more!