A few weeks ago I had an amazing day in Toronto with my wife. We spent our time bumming around, walking everywhere and hitting as many sights as possible. Our day was highlighted by the Picasso exhibit at the AGO where we purchased the audio guide. Normally I wouldn’t buy the audio guide because it costs money that I don’t have, but we decided to splurge; Picasso is my favourite artist (see the tattoos on my arms for proof) and MAN was it good call! The guide gave really interesting perspectives on Picasso’s work from a variety of artists and art authorities. To top it all off, it got my wife (that is usually instantly bored at museums) into the art.

Since the Picasso audio tour was such a success, I thought I would transfer the idea of an audio guide into an audio tour for my ideal day of bumming around Toronto.

Moonbean Café in Kensington Market – Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

I don’t know about you, but I need a serious coffee to start my day (and none of that Timmy’s crud.) Moonbean’s coffee is a favourite stop of mine Kensington and Otis’ voice is perfect for soothing away any headaches.

Urban Outfitters – Slipping Husband by The National (on vinyl…based on location)

After that glorious coffee it’s time to slowly shuffle my feet and shop around Queen St. West. Urban Outfitters is always a great stop for clothes especially for a band of aspiring hipsters. The National is one of my favourite bands and very fitting for this store. I’m fairly sure I have even seen a record of theirs on sale here.

Steve’s Music – Scumpunch! by The Flatliners

For any musician, music stores are like playgrounds. Steve’s Music is the one has all the slides and monkey bars you could ever hope for. As a drummer, the top floor is where I spend all my time, I could spend hours testing out different drums and cymbals. Steve’s Music is the Toronto music store so I thought it would be perfectly paired with my favourite Toronto band, The Flatliners.

AGO’s Picasso Exhibition – Who Gon Stop Me by Jay-Z & Kanye West (Watch The Throne)

Picasso was my dream exhibition and it actually happened at the AGO, what more could I ask for? Hmm… maybe my dream collaboration album between Jay-Z and Kanye West… Oh that happened too? Cool.

Milagro – Vamos by The Pixies

I went to Milagro on whim with my wife and it was amazing. It is a Mexican restaurant that makes it known that it won’t to cater its spicy food for weak palette. If you are down for some heat you will be rewarded: the food is delicious. Vamos by The Pixies is the perfect amount of intensity to listen to while at this place.

Blue Jay’s Game – Kiss Cam by the Arkells

It is hard not to go to a Jay’s game while in Toronto. The team is super fun to watch these days and the 500’s are so cheap ($11!!!). The Arkells are big Jay’s fans (they even had a song featured on a Jay’s TV commercial) and are a perfect band to listen to at a Jay’s game.

The Horseshoe Tavern – Holding on to Something by Parlovr

The first show I saw at the Horseshoe was Parlovr and Handsome Furs. It was perfect. Parlovr started the show by getting everyone in the crowd to scream at the top of their lungs and then segued into the first song seamlessly. After the show I got photos of Parlovr for a series of portraits that they ended up using as their Facebook photo, which is pretty cool. “Holding on to Something” is a great track by Parlovr and will help you understand why their live show is so great.

Becky’s Parties – 212 by Azealia Banks

Becky puts on amazing theme parties every month out of her own pocket. I cannot say exactly where they are, but I can say that if you ever hear word of a party by Becky you best find yourself there. “212” is a JAM and perfect for big night of partying.

Gord Bond (Drummer for New Hands)

Banner Photo by Stephen Hargreaves for OTMzine Issue 12