The year is winding down and so is the music, which is kind of nice, actually, because there seem to be a lot of tours already gearing up for 2007. Hopefully Alexisonfire isn't one of them...we have no idea how they can manage to go onstage and scream for 7 solid days (they have a few more shows this week). Insanity. Best bets for this week include Royal Wood tonight at the Cameron House......

It's a busy music week, this one. There's everything from samba to classical music, so all of you anti-hipsters should be pleased. Most importantly, Torontoist's 'Back to School' Party is this Thursday, and we better see y'all there -- especially you anonymous commenters. You know who you are. As always, if there's a show happening that we haven't listed, let us know in the comments. Recently Announced Oct. 4 - The Long Winters @......

Break out the earplugs and prepare to get very little sleep over the next few days, as the North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference begins tomorrow. Your wristband ($28.00) gets you into approximately 400 shows at 33 venues, all film screenings from the film festival portion, as well as the closing party Sunday night at the El Mocambo. Bargain! Highlights of the festival include performances at the Phoenix by Television (Fri. June 9th,......