The best albums and concerts of the season

Fire Up the Discman: The ’90s Are Back

Dig out the low-rise jeans and frost those tips—a whole pack of pre-Y2K artists went back into the studio, and the new releases are coming in hot for fall.

Related: Best of Fall—A sneak peek at the season’s buzziest debuts on stage, screen and page

Suede: Antidepressants

The London alt-rock five-piece helped launch Britpop more than 20 years ago. This will be their 10th studio album and their fourth since reuniting in 2010. Lusting for something new, they’ve described it as an “experimental, primal howl of a record.” Out September 5

Sarah McLachlan: Better Broken

McLachlan is back with a full album of original music for the first time in more than a decade. The OG Lilith Fair diva will also be appearing at Massey Hall on November 8 for a concert celebrating 30 years since her breakout album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. (The anniversary was technically in 2023, but McLachlan had to cancel due to laryngitis.) Out September 19

Sloan: Based on the Best Seller

A major force in the ’90s and 2000s, this indie-rock quartet has been more of a fixture on street festival stages than on the charts since releasing Steady in 2022. Their latest album, recorded in Toronto (and partially in lead singer Chris Murphy’s garage) will be the 14th for our resident power-pop kings. Out September 26

Richard Ashcroft: Lovin’ You

The former Verve frontman and “Bittersweet Symphony” singer has been flying solo since 2000, with varying levels of success. Opening for Oasis’s epochal UK and Ireland reunion shows this past summer seems to have primed him for a comeback. Out October 10

Rock On

A parade of ’90s legends is passing through town this fall, hot on the heels of Oasis this summer and Pulp on September 16. Your move, Blur.

Hayden: Are We Good tour

A ’90s indie rocker, and at Lee’s Palace no less! Time travel really does exist. Hayden celebrated the 20th anniversary of his hit record Elk-Lake Serenade last year and broke an eight-year hiatus in 2023 to release his ninth studio album, Are We Good. October 5, Lee’s Palace

Ron Sexsmith: Hangover Terrace tour

The prolific songwriter with the golden surname rose to prominence in the early ’90s and has been pounding out original songs ever since. Now, he’s touring his 18th album, with a lead single full of twinkly chimes and his trademark retro crooning. November 4, Danforth Music Hall

The Lemonheads: Love Chant tour

Best known for their punk-rock cover of “Mrs. Robinson,” the Lemonheads are whoever is currently playing with frontman Evan Dando, the band’s only consistent member. This time, he’s joined by four former bandmates plus four new ones. November 30, Phoenix Concert Theatre

The Biggest Concerts of the Season

Alice Cooper and Judas Priest

Two legendary hard rock bands combine forces for an epic doom-sayer double feature to kick off spooky season. September 29, Budweiser Stage

Shawn Mendes

Mendes went full folk with 2024’s Shawn—“Hallelujah” cover and all—which he’s touring for the second time. September 28, Budweiser Stage

Bryan Adams: Roll With the Punches tour

Adams tours his 16th album, a rollicking ode to getting back up no matter how hard you’ve been knocked down. October 3, Scotiabank Arena

All Things Go Music Fest

Kacey Musgraves and Reneé Rapp headline the first Toronto event for this major US indie music fest. October 4 and 5, Budweiser Stage

Ice Cube: Truth to Power tour

Fresh off starring in a terrible War of the Worlds remake, Ice Cube is back on the mic and playing the hits. October 9, Scotiabank Arena

The Beaches: No Hard Feelings tour

Their new album dropped in August, but the Beaches won’t play here until November. Should we be offended? November 6, Scotiabank Arena

Related: Inside the Beaches’ rise to rock stardom

Sabrina Carpenter: Short n’ Sweet tour

The pint-size singer tours her latest record, Man’s Best Friend, which is unfortunately not about dogs. November 10 and 11, Scotiabank Arena