In the summertime I like “Cocaine Trade”, “Calypso Hippo,” and “Pump It.” In the summertime I want to be an Autistic.

Along with word wizards Christian Hansen & the Autistics, that is, the Edmonton-based electro-disco-pop-punk band that takes the stage to a whole new dimension (think sparklers, litres of sweat and glowing fluorescents against a keyboard, cowbell, and synth).

While the release of their sophomore album after Power Leopard ($9.99 on iTunes) won't happen until spring 2012, we’re already excited about the new album title, Dance Floor Death Core and the foursome’s upgrade to a fifth member, a drum set, and a guitar.

As Calgary Stampeders get their country on, the Autistic crowd with the controversial name will be shooting animated, electrified music videos with E-town extras (this time for “Ma-Me-O” and “Pill Popper”).

Only these guys and gals could come up with such idioms. —Caroline Gault

According to a recent piece in The New Yorker, Dan Bejar’s latest stateside recognition comes courtesy of a mischievous New York artist who shares the name and now, the hair and beard. (See The Googlegänger.)

But if a little double trouble is what gets the Vancouver musician, better known as Destroyer, more mainstream recognition, so be it.

A long-time cult favourite, Destroyer has been at it since the mid-Nineties with numerous albums, band break-ups, make-ups, and collaborations galore. His latest album, Kaputt, is being heralded by critics as his best work and after having songs like “Savage Night at The Opera” and  “Blue Eyes” on repeat, we concur.

And this Bejar’s voice is unmistakable.

The real Destroyer plays Saturday, April 16 at Royal Canadian Legion #1, 116 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary. Tickets here.

Summer soundtrack searches will soon be on so start early with the new record by Braids.

Formed in Calgary as the Neighbourhood Council, now rechristened and based in Montreal, the four-member band has just released its debut album, Native Speaker.

Most of the album’s melodic songs, including the first single, “Lemonade,” begin with a slow, perfectly paced rhythm, building the anticipation methodically until they reach a playful climax. Lead singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston vocals mixed with her band members’ layered instrumental compositions has drawn comparisons to Björk, Animal Collective and PJ Harvey.

Patience is a virtue when listening to this album since most of the songs are over six minutes long. But the reward is more than one catchy tune (“Same Mum” has a nice bounce to it) that will stay with you long after the warm weather fades. —MG

Braids play tonight at The Grand Theatre, 608 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-205-2922, www.theatrejunction.com

There’s no shame in admitting you’ve already been rocking the Christmas tunes for the past month. But now, it’s time to go public.

Until the end of December, enjoy live festive music weekly at Holiday Saturdays at Art Central. 
We can’t promise Jingle Bells or Joy to the World but there will be performances from a variety of artists including the Andrew Noakes Trio, Foon Yap and Kenna Burima (the latter two are members of Woodpigeon).

And while you’re there, get a head start on your Christmas shopping, or, for those keeners out there, should we say finish it up.

Art Central, 100 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-543-9600, www.artcentral.ca

When a kids group plays Coachella and is the inspiration behind Brad Pitt's Halloween costume, you know it's captured the zeitgeist.

DJ Lance Rock and the Gabba Gang are taking their hip show on the road to select Canadian cities. High-energy and interactive, the magical boom box will be pumping, and the Dancey Dance section will include a top secret guest at every show (past participants include Sarah Silverman and Snoop Dog).  

Just try not to push the kids out of the way when you rush the stage.

Tour dates and tickets at www.yogabbagabbalive.com/tickets

Although they’re a self-proclaimed rock and roll band, Ghostkeeper’s sound is also haunted by a number of other genres including experimental blues, country, folk, pop and the dreaded indie.

Spearheaded by songwriter and frontman Shane Ghostkeeper and Sarah Houle (vocals and drums), who both hail from Northern Alberta, the Calgary-based quintet also includes bassist Scott Munro, and two multi-instrumentalists.

Their self-titled sophomore album speaks to the Métis way of life and fittingly, of ghosts of loved ones who have passed.

Ghostkeeper plays the Calgary Folk Music Festival at Prince’s Island Park on Saturday; Ghostkeeper, $9.90 at iTunes.

In the wise words of 50 Cent: “We gonna party like it’s yo birthday.” But this time, instead of in da club, it’s in the park.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of Calgary’s parks, The City is hosting free concerts in the park throughout the summer. One Sunday a month, rock out to different Alberta bands while checking out a park in each of the city’s quadrants.

The next concert on July 17 includes Los Morenos, The Joe Defendants and Sherry-Lee Wisor Trio.

“Go, go, go, go.”


See a complete schedule here.

Synonymous with summer, music festival season is upon us.

In its fourth year, Sled Island starts rocking tomorrow with another stellar lineup of both emerging bands and established musical acts. The four-day fest happens around town at various venues with the weekend show culminating outside at Olympic Plaza. With more than 100 artists, just a few of our picks include Les Savy Fav, Built to Spill, and Piper Davis.

Sled Island, June 30th to July 3rd; Single tickets from $25, festival pass, $220.

Get tickets here.

Unless you hail from Winnipeg or are in the indie-music know, the name John K. Samson might not ring a bell. But as the frontman and songwriter for The Weakerthans, you’ve probably heard his soothing and melodic voice many of times.

Last November, Samson released a three-song solo record titled City Route 85, inspired by his Winnipeg home. He plays an acoustic set this Sunday and we'll be singing along to his set (off key, of course).

Tickets $28.25 at Ticketmaster. John K. Samson, March 21, 2010, 8 p.m., Rozsa Centre, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, 403-220-5421

When little Saxon unearths his Dad’s old turntables (and Metallica collection) and Vivienne becomes a backstage baby, make sure they don’t become the next It’s All Gone Pete Tong by protecting their hearing with these cool muffs.

Called Peltor Hearing Protectors (let’s keep that between us), the adjustable hot pink and bright blue earphones shield little ears from harmful noises while letting in ambient sound at hockey games, concerts, and parades.

Rock on, mom.

Age 1 and up. $39.95 at www.dandelionkids.ca