by SCOTT C

So, despite all the chat and naysaying, the first annual Montreal International Reggae Festival managed to pull off yet another Quebec-based cavalcade of world-class talent without a hitch. Congrats to the organizers, and we'll see you next year.

Keep your eyes peeled for another festival debut in the coming weeks, as the Montreal Funkn Soul Festival spreads its wings for the first time this summer, from June 28 to July 4. Celebrating the live and organic sounds of funk and soul music new and old, this is another attempt to build on the insatiable thirst for great music and performance that has sustained so many successful festivals in Montreal to date. At presstime, some of the artists scheduled to appear included Jazzy Jeff, Musiq Soulchild, Angie Stone and Floetry, a lineup that could also indicate a small Montreal Philly Soul Festival. Stay tuned for further details on what will clearly be a hot ticket this summer.

Won't be long now until you're able to go out and grab local crew Offsides' new 21-track LP Foul Language, due for a formal release on June 15. MCs Malicious, Bailey and Lo'Key and DJ D.R. One just got back from the Pacific Rim, where they were planting the seeds of Taiwanese superstardom. I'm sure much was lost in translation, but the bottom line is that this is head-nod shit. More on the upcoming launch party for the record in the coming weeks.

Looking for a loft party? Head up to 5333 Casgrain, #801, on Saturday, June 12, and you can pick up where you left off the last time there was a jam at Studio Tnvoum. DJs Christelle and Soulsistah know exactly how to get the floor moving, so make a move and check out the view.

Look out for Soundway Records head Miles Cleret when he returns to Montreal for another gig at Salon Daomé on June 18. This guy is the reigning king of regional, obscure and diverse Afro-funk, and is like nothing else you'll hear for a long while. Do yourself a favour and try not to miss this very special night of music.

On a sour note, local CKUT personality and soul music aficionado Donald D called me this week to say he'd been the victim of some of the music industry's growing pains, and released from his position at EMI. This cat will undoubtedly land on his feet, though, because he's been in this for years. Why not start your own label, man? C'mon!

Don't forget the Halftooth Records Showcase this Sunday, June 13, at El Salon, when all manner of microphone controllers will be in the house. I'm talking about underground heavies Wordsworth, Kenn Starr, Oddisee and Cesar Comanche. Supa-emcees will make you say Ooowwwwww! Tix are $10 in advance, with Specifics, DJ Mensa and ICM filling out the bill. Go to www.halftooth.com for more.

Seven reasons I hope you're building up to something:
1. Offsides "Hennessy" (Urbnet)
2. I Maniaci Dei Dischi Hey Presto! (Temposphere)
3. Madlib Madlib Remixes Vol. 2 (CDR)
4. VastAire Look Mom... No Hands (Chocolate Industries)
5. Michael Small Pumping Iron soundtrack (CDR)
6. Ghostface "Metal Lungies" (Def Jam)
7. Little Brother "Shake It" (Okayplayer)

Do I smell…? fathead@videotron.ca

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