Osheaga this weekend, and Pop Montreal coming soon

Pop Montreal 2007
by BrooklynVegan Mike

The buzzing has officially begun. On Wednesday, the specifics for the sixth annual Pop Montreal festival (taking place all over the city from October 3rd through 7th) were announced. Some of the bands scheduled to appear over the five days include Pere Ubu, Magnolia Electric Co., Final Fantasy, Sunset Rubdown, Islands, Caribou, Man Man, Patrick Wolf, Patti Smith, Ted Leo, Grizzly Bear, The National, and many, many more. Phew. The full list is here.

It's going to be a Jad Fair week. There will also be the premiere of the documentary Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King, and you'll be able to check out a gallery exhibiting many of his works. And one of the special treats Pop Montreal has lined up: the only scheduled performance this year by Half Japanese, not to mention only scheduled performance in North America this year by Cody Chestnutt, and one by the comedy legend and trailblazer Mort Sahl. It would should a real treat.

The one event that garnered the most buzz at the announcement Wednesday is the scheduled performance of Jamaica to Toronto featuring many of the artists involved in its creation. For the uninitiated, last year saw the release of Jamaica to Toronto: Soul, Funk, and Reggae 1967-1974, a compilation recently unearthed tracks by Jamaican ex-pats who moved to Toronto and made some sweet music. Many in the Canadian press felt it was the best album last year, and if the classic Motown/Stax sound is up your alley, you would be hard pressed to disagree.

Other events this year are the 3rd annual Puces Pop arts and crafts fair, Film Pop, and the Art Pop art festival. There will also be panels and discussion boards relating to the ever changing music business. Last year saw David Byrne take part in a heavily attended event. It's sure to be another five day long party of great music, beer, and poutine.

In the coming weeks, we will shine a light on some of the nascent bands performing at the festival. A strong performance at Pop Montreal can make a career - just ask Tokyo Police Club . Who will be that band this year? Only time will tell.