Magazine

Independent, provocative, now! The CJLO Magazine is the resource for features, reviews, and interviews. Established in 2004, and run by dedicated CJLO volunteers, the magazine covers the latest and best in local and international music, art, theatre, film, festivals, and more!


High Five @ Vice & Versa, January 22nd 2017

I’m loving these Sunday evening 5 à 7 performances at Vice & Versa, a cute brick and wood-trim resto-brewery in Little Italy serving innumerable craft beers on keg and gourmet burgers, slaw, and the like. I enjoyed a wonderful pulled-pork poutine and a few exquisite white beers, surrounded by familiar smiling faces and good tunes.


Tall Shadows & Monogamy, Le Cactus, January 18th 2017

As I understand, last night’s performance was meant to be held at l’Escogriffe, but since it is currently under renovation, the event was moved to Le Cactus, a small showroom next door . Great little spot. Supposedly doubling as a dance studio, the venue’s side wall is lined entirely with full-sized mirrors, perfectly suitable for the disco ball and lasers bouncing all over the room. Unfortunately, not nearly enough people made it to last night’s performance, but this does not at all take from the music. The bands were great.


Cindy Lee & Deerhunter, Le National, January 15th 2017

Photo: Allison O'Reilly 

I was ecstatic to hear that Cindy Lee and Deerhunter, two of my favourite recording artists, would be playing at Le National on a cold Sunday night. The beautiful old theater slowly filled with people eager to bliss out to droning treble.


The Best of 2016

Releases We Loved

There is a new and exciting year ahead of us, but we here at CJLO want to take this chance to reminisce about the wonderful music, film and television, events, and FUN that 2016 bestowed upon us. The folks at the "little station that does!" give you their top picks of the year, and the lists reflect the amazing radio that broadcasts on CJLO every day, as well as the eclectic tastes of our DJs, volunteers, and staff!

And while you're here, have a look at our on-air schedule for more information on our programming, or click on a DJ's show page, all hyperlinked for your convenience below (because we care, man).


Asap Ferg, Metropolis, November 30th

Photo Credit: Jason Bergman 

If there is one word to describe the Asap Ferg Turnt & Burnt experience, it would have to be: energetic. 

On Wednesday November 30th, American rapper Asap Ferg heated up the city by bringing the Turnt & Burnt tour to Metropolis, with Young Mob associates, Playboi Carti and Rob $tone in attendance as well. 


Saxsyndrum, Balattou, December 7th

When entering the Balattou, one encounters a perplexing scene. Strangely angled mirrors outline the back of the stage, distracting one’s eyes towards a reflective fractal of musicians playing and a crowd seated in wonderfully curved little booths. The stage is framed by monolithic speakers, far exceeding the necessary decibel level for the room. Above remain mountings for what I’m fairly positive used to be erotic dance poles. The young crowd does not fit the place, drinking pina coladas and Molson Ex, layered in wool and leather, and topping toques.


Chairs, Vices & Versa, November 28

Vice & Versa was the perfect setting for last night’s 5 à 7 performance. One can chat, sip any of their 32 beers on draft, and munch on deliciously pretty burgers or appetizers with friends. But this is not a review of Vice & Versa, but rather the band who played the quaint venue, Chairs.


Tegan & Sara Trade in Their Guitars for Synthesizers

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I was waiting in line for the Tegan and Sara show at Metropolis. I was familiar with their album Sainthood and actually saw them open for Paramore on their Honda Civic Tour in 2009. Since then, their sound and style have done a complete 180. When I saw that they were coming to Montreal, I bought a ticket without even thinking. I haven’t listened to any of their new stuff besides their hit song “Closer” from their last album Heartthrob. Now, touring and playing material from their eighth record Love You To Death I knew nothing and no one going.


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