His new album, Compass, brilliantly brings together his experimental techno past with his more recent retro soul tendencies. However, long-time Jamie Lidell fans know that to really appreciate him you need to catch him live, so make sure you hit his gig at the Mod Club (722 College) June 12. $20. rotate.com.
Tune-Yards’ Bird-Brains was one of the more intriguingly unique albums of 2009, marrying indie, folk, R&B and ukulele in startlingly effective ways. As good an album as it was, you don’t really get a sense of just how powerful a voice Merrill Garbus has until you see her onstage. She blew us away at Pop Montreal and charmed audiences all over the world touring with Dirty Projectors. She should put on a hell of a show when she headlines the Horseshoe (370 Queen West) June 13. $12. rotate.com.
This year’s Luminato festival showcases two very different sides of Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright. First, it mounts a short run of his opera Prima Donna (June 14, 16, 18 and 19) at the Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge), and then you can catch Wainwright himself showcasing his intense new album, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, June 15 and 17, also at the Elgin. Check luminato.com for festival schedule and ticket info.
Lady Gaga, the world’s biggest pop star, thrills the Air Canada Centre (40 Bay) for two nights – July 11 and 12. Even if you hate her music, you’ve got to admit she’s got a certain flair for spectacular visuals and theatrical productions. And unlike much of her competition on the pop charts, she’s actually got the chops to pull off the musical side of performing live. $49.50-$175. 416-870-8000.
