Show Review: Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars at The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles) 06-16-2026

All The Feelings

Something that may not be entirely apparent, especially given the majority of shows I’ve covered, is that I like more than just metal music. Shocking, I’m sure, but true nonetheless, and as a kid who grew up through the 90s and very early 00s, the wave of Indie rock and indie pop was unavoidable. One thing I did have, however, was a bit of a discerning palate, but when a friend turned me on to Stars and then another to Metric in 2004, it was inevitable that I would go on a deep dive into a then-mostly unexplored genre for me, ultimately leading to a plethora of bands, but specifically to Broken Social Scene. So anyway, when I saw that not both Metric and Broken Social Scene not only had new albums coming out, but were to embark on a tour together, supported by Stars, well, I jumped at the opportunity.

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Show Review: Metric with Broken Social Scene at The Masonic, 6/21/26

I thought I’d be upset when I started seeing nostalgia package tours geared towards people in my age bracket. (I was born in late ‘79, which I think is an Xennial?) But when this “Monsters of 00’s Canadian Indie Rock” tour was announced with Metric, Broken Social Scene and Stars, I didn’t feel old. I was stoked. So excited that I didn’t connect at first that it was Father’s Day, and a meltdown at the mini golf course thwarted my mission, and I missed Stars’ opening set. But I still made it on time for Broken Social Scene’s perfect dad rock set. Upon entering the venue, I noticed a LOT of entire families, dads leading the pack, and realized that I was at home with my fellow fathers.

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CANAPHILES REJOICE! METRIC, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, AND STARS ARE TOURING NORTH AMERICAN TOGETHER!

Are you still gutted over the fact that Metric were forced to pull out of their Fantasies 15th anniversary tour last year? Are you angry that Trump wants to make Canada the 51st state, but would be overjoyed if the US became Canadian Provinces 11-61? Do you like music made by people who know maple comes from sticking a spigot in a tree? THEN DO I HAVE THE DREAM TOUR FOR YOU! Canadian Indie Legends Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars are uniting for the nearly ultimate dream tour! (Did they lose Feist’s number or something? Also, can we get Bran Van 3000 involved somehow?)

Introducing: The All The Feelings Tour! 

Tour Dates are here. Citi cardmembers’ presale begins February 4th at 12 pm local time. Public Onsale is Friday, February 6th at 10 am. Also, Broken Social Scene and Metric are springing new music onto our hungry and eager ears. Continue reading “CANAPHILES REJOICE! METRIC, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, AND STARS ARE TOURING NORTH AMERICAN TOGETHER!”

Single Of The Week: “Depressed Unicorn Christmas Song” by Kevin Drew

Remember how I said I hate Christmas music two weeks ago when I posted the Carly Rae Jepsen Christmas song? And now all of the December “Singles Of The Week” have been Christmas music? I still hate the holiday, but this surprise song by Uni The Unicorn (not to be confused with Uni The Unicorn of children’s literary fame), Stevie The Shark, Bobby The Bulldog, and, um, Broken Social Scenes’ Kevin Drew is cute and funny and a harsh reminder that YOU SHOULD ONLY SPEND THE HOLIDAY WITH PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD. Seriously. Don’t be the fucker that accidentally kills your mother. STAY HOME. There will be other Christmases. This will only be the last one for your family if you don’t protect them from COVID. And, seriously, there is no way to be 100% certain you aren’t carrying the virus. 

Anyways, I love this video. I hope it gives you the joy it gave me. 

Outside Lands 2018: 27 Instant Gig Reviews

Ate a lot of food. Got a lot of steps. But it was mostly Janet Jackson.

All photos by Dakin Hardwick unless otherwise noted

Outside Lands reached its 11th birthday this year. I’ve been to ten of those eleven installments. This year, the folks booking the festival decided it was time to take some risks… They added an extra stage for acoustic sets and magic, called “Cocktail Magic.” They added a whole pot awareness area (not that folks at a music festival need to be *more* aware of weed). Continue reading “Outside Lands 2018: 27 Instant Gig Reviews”

Show Review: Stars at The Masonic Lodge 11/29/17

A concert in a graveyard? Why not!

STARS-8

What exactly is it about Canada that produces such intriguing rock and roll acts? The great North is home to dozens of groups that broke through international barriers and still continue to impress to this day. Of course there are the obvious examples like Neil Young, Rush, The Guess Who, Arcade Fire, and NoMeansNo, but there is also that unique brand of indie/art with groups like Metric, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, The New Pornographers, and Broken Social Scene, the indie super band of which Amy Millan and Evan Cranley are members. Easily one of my favorites of all of them is Stars who take up a special place with their lush production and exploration of the various themes of love and heartbreak. In support of their recent double LP release, There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light, the band took over the Masonic Lodge at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for three whole days of intimacy with their long-time fans and first timers alike.

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 12/4/13-12/10/13

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Coming to The Fillmore, this Thursday Night!

Wednesday, December 4th

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/7/11 – 4/13/11

Sorry, Tsunami aren't getting back together to raise money to help earthquake victims. But opportunity to raise money & have fun doing it still exists. Just read on!

This week kicks off week one of Fauxchella, the awesome assortment of bands that are also playing Coachella, only we get full length sets, with air conditioning and sound checks. Another reason the Bay Area is better than Southern California. Enjoy the shows!

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Staff Picks from Treasure Island Music Festival – Sunday 10/17/2010

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Monotonix did not get the memo on the San Francisco weather

I sent out an email to everyone from Spinning Platters that went to the Treasure Island Music Festival on Sunday. I asked them to send me back something about their favorite act from the day. From some people, I got nothing, but from nearly everyone who responded, I got the same news. Belle & Sebastian was their favorite act.  So you’re about to read mainly a Belle & Sebastian love-fest, and look at a whole lot of pictures of Monotonix. And other than the rainy, windy, cold conditions and some energetic sets from Surfer Blood, Superchunk and Rogue Wave, that’s my biggest takeaway, too. Continue reading “Staff Picks from Treasure Island Music Festival — Sunday 10/17/2010”

Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/28/10-5/4/10

Hello, I'm opening up for Lupe Fiasco. How are you?

Thank, Jason LeRoy, for stepping in last week with the list. I hope you all were kept entertained. As for this week, well, here’s what I want you to do: Continue reading “Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/28/10-5/4/10”