by JACK OATMON

Contrary to the usual connotations of the word “pop,” Pop Montreal is not about seeing gargantuan rock stars at inflated prices. It’s about hopping on a bicycle and roaring around town, discovering new grooves from the unbelievable pool of talent that will be milling around, swilling fine beverages with fellow rockers and posting wacky bar-pics to your blog. It’s all at very reasonable prices, too. The absurd quantity of shows happening during Pop Montreal means that there’s a lot to be crammed in, and much of it’s relatively obscure. In times like these, with too much fantastic stuff going down for one person to take, we gotta make some calls. By no means comprehensive, my mini-guide to Pop is tailored to bring you the maximum amount of boogying, twisting and rug-cutting available. So whenever you want to hop into your dancing shoes, peep here.

Thursday, in which we contemplate the coming chaos:

Starting at Preloved on St-Laurent, an early show by Guelph’s the D’Urbervilles might make a good warm-up for those who take their dance cues from Interpol and the Doors. Don’t get held up though, or you’ll miss Haligonian late-additions Windom Earle clacking out catchy synth rhythms at les Saints, prior to DJ Mini’s set. For out-of-towners, that same show’s a perfect chance to see local electronica favourites Sean Kosa and Akufen. The no-brainer of the evening is at Club Soda, featuring a stacked “hip hop-meets-Microsoft” line-up of TTC, Spank Rock and Omnikrom.

Friday, in which we tighten our shoestrings:

Throw on your skinny leather tie and pointy boots for some Blondie-esque new wave revival from the Chromatics and Glass Candy at Zoobizarre. If not, see aRTIST oF tHE yEAR kickin’ out the funky jams at Lion d’Or with a whip-cracking opening performance by Sexyboy.

Saturday, ever vigilant with darkened circles under our eyes:

Tapes n’ Tapes at the Ukrainian Federation will certainly be one to catch if you’re in the mood for some sharp, energetic, hip-shakin’ hipness. They’ll be preceded by the Lovely Feathers, whose tight performance pleasantly surprised me at the Pop press conference recently. I reckon that show’s gonna rage. If not, Lesbians on Ecstasy with Think About Life at la Sala Rossa will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Sunday, when we have beer for breakfast:

If you’re still kickin’, my Sunday money goes on Constantines and SS Cardiacs at the Main Hall, which is free. Also, while you’re gallivanting around town, don’t forget that if you can’t find a loft party, fear not. On Friday and Saturday, you can make the trek up to Centre Fractal for organized all-nighters. My best piece of advice is to be mobile. There are a hell of a lot of things happening, you never know when you’ll hear a rumour and need to bounce.

OUTTA HAND… jack.oatmon@gmail.com

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