The Arcade Fire have announced that August 3rd will be the release date for their new studio LP "The Suburbs", but if you can't wait until August to get your hands on some Arcade Fire wax then you're in luck, you can order their new double A side 12" single today from Merge Records!!! You can also pre-order "The Suburbs" dbl lp HERE.
Both songs are below for your listening pleasure, enjoy!!!
Gord Downie has a new collection of songs that deserve your attention. He reconvened his "crew", the Country of Miracles, late last summer to record a new album at the Bathouse in eastern Ontario. It doesn't get much better than this collection of artists, and their abilities shine threw in these recordings.
The Country of Miracles are made up of Josh Finlayson (the Skydiggers), Julie Doiron (Eric's Trip, Daniel Fred & Julie, her bad self), Dale Morningstar, Dave Clark, and Dr Johnny Pee (The Dinner is Ruined). To call them a backing band, although accurate, would be incorrect. I get the feeling Gord feeds off of these musicians just as they feed off his words and vocals, making this album a true collaboration in every sense of the word. You can hear it int he songs, it's all there.... from Julie's trademark harmonies, to the DIR's experimental brand of rock, to Josh's acoustic country funk strums. The amount of experience these folks as a collective bring to the table is staggering, thankfully they are touring the festival circuit this summer so we'll hopefully get a chance to experience live what we hear in our headphones.
The vinyl version of this record is available for pre-order at Maple Music and will be in stores starting June 8th. You'll want to make a point and pick this up, trust me on this one.
Click HERE to get a preview of the record, streaming from Gord's website. Below is a video of Gord in the studio last summer doing a take of the song "Retrace".
In the words of The Dude, "certain information has come to light, man". Our friends at You've Changed Records have been busy prepping their latest release and have given us a glimpse of what's to come. As I'm sure you've guessed the photo above is for Daniel Romano's upcoming solo effort "Workin' for the Music Man". The album has a scheduled release date of June 1st so mark your calendars folks! Daniel has been posting tiny morsels of info on his blog as well so check it out from time to time for the latest news on him.
I had mentioned a few posts back that Daniel had a 7" single being released as well. It was originally only available at select Daniel, Fred, and Julie shows but you can now order it online through the Dine Alone Records web shop for a mere $6 (i think that includes shipping). A great deal for what is sure to be a nice set of songs.
Below is an excellent "in Studio" session with Daniel courtesy of Dine Alone Records and Wood & Wires Productions. Enjoy!
Dine Alone Records and Wood & Wires Productions present In Studio with Daniel Romano. Bringing you a behind the scenes look at the artist, featuring an interview and an exclusive live song.
I just got word that Dull Knife has limited copies of the Andre Ethier - Running of the Bulls 7" single back in stock. Only 300 of these were pressed, click HERE to get your copy. This is a barn-burner of a tune folks, dull knife has the song streaming on their site now, check it out!.
Thanks to a visit to my local record shop I've been introduced to Milks & Rectangles, a band from your favorite red-soiled island on the East Coast. Marc (aka Bones) at the record shop recommended them to me saying they kinda sounded like a cross between Pavement and Modest Mouse, not a bad combo ... so I took a chance on the Civic VirtuesEP and I'm glad I did! The music is up beat, the guitars are jangly and distorted, and the vocals have a subdued quality that really fits the music well.
After giving the first EP a few spins I headed to their website and downloaded their newest EP Troubleshooterswhich, it turns out, is even better than their 1st! If I had to try and compare this band to another it would probably be The Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims), they write great songs that grow on you and you'll quickly find yourself humming along with the chorus parts. If you're still not convinced, have a listen to both EP's below and make a point to see these guys when they pass through your town. As a vinyl fan I can only hope for a 7" or 12" release in the future from these guys.
Attack in Black front man Daniel Romano has been a busy man as of late, which is great news for us the listening public. Hot on the heels of his stellar collaboration with Fred Squire and Julie Doiron (Daniel, Fred, and Julie), Daniel has a solo album due out in the not so distant future aptly titled 'Workin For the Music Man'.
No official release date has been given yet for the LP, but we do have a 7" single on the way in the meantime. The 'sings a losing song' single will have two alternate takes of songs that'll be appearing on the LP and will be released on Dine Alone Records soon. Those of you attending the last three shows of the Daniel, Fred, & Julie tour can pick up a copy at the shows.
We can also expect a 12" (45RPM) EP titled 'Songs for Misha' to be released on You've Changed Records this summer. I think I speak for everyone when I say "keep the vinyl coming Daniel, we're listening!"
Below you'll find a performance by Daniel w/ Misha Bower from the Horseshoe in Toronto on April 15th. Hopefully this tune will turn up on one of the forthcoming releases.
If there was ever a time this maritimer wished he lived in Toronto it would be now. Our friends at Blue Fog Recordings have announced an amazing night of music set to take place on May 14th at Lee's Palace. Unfortunately for the rest of the country this Revue is not of the Rolling Thunder variety so the only chance to experience it is to be in the GTA in May. Here's to hoping some of these artists make their way East for an appearance at SappyFest this summer.
Canada's most discerning psychedelic/country/folk/ label, Blue Fog is proud to present Blue Fog Revue, on May 14th at Lee's Palace. Blue Fog Revue is a one time only spectacle that will feature collaborations and performances from the label's bands (in alphabetical order): Andre Ethier - Castlemusic - Eiyn Sof - Nordic Nomadic - One Hundred Dollars - RickWhiteAlbum - Wyrd Visions
An event of utmost rarity, Blue Fog Revue brings these musicians together to play their own and each others music - a difficult feat considering the reclusiveness of both White and Ethier. (Despite critical acclaim for both "Son of Blue Fog" and "137" neither Ethier or White have feted or toured their latest releases). Solo artists Nordic Nomadic (Chad Ross of Quest for Fire), Wyrd Visions, RickWhiteAlbum and Castlemusic will be backed by Ethier's band and by One Hundred Dollars. Guest appearances from members of the Unintended and Elevator are also rumored. The night will close with a set by country phenom, One Hundred Dollars. Tickets Available at Rotate This and Soundscapes. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Contact bluefogrevue@gmail.com for more information
Rick White - Belief from the album '137' . Buy the ltd edition LP from Sonic Unyon HERE
