The RAA release Departing to Canadians ahead of schedule

The Rural Alberta Advantage notified fans via Twitter yesterday that their new album Departing is available to Canadian iTunes customers ahead of the scheduled March 1st release date. I'm already a huge fan of the band, so had high hopes that the sophomore release could match the intensity and quality of their debut, Hometowns.

Fortunately, it doesn't disappoint. Every single track is extremely strong; "The Breakup", "Under the Knife", "Tornado '87" and "North Star" in particular are immediate stand-outs. Long-time live show staple closing track and fan favourite "Good Night" finally makes an official appearance as the perfect bookend.

Only after many more listens will it be clear whether or not Departing has actually eclipsed Hometowns, but I'm looking forward to each and every one of those run-throughs. This album will be on heavy rotation for the foreseeable future, and I anticipate returning to it on a regular basis in the longer term.

The whole album can be streamed at http://exclaim.ca/#albumoftheweek until the end of this month.

Canadians can buy Departing via iTunes now; everyone else can grab it on March 1st from Saddle Creek.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Under the Knife
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Good Night

Sasquatch Music Festival 2011!

The Official lineup for the 2011 Sasquatch Music Festival was recently announced. And since then, all the web chatter, and conversations overheard throughout town have been about what an amazing four days this years festival will surely turn out to be. Although there has been some shoulder shrugging over the headliners, the rest of the line-up is sure to please any music aficionado. Of course the main buzz has been over the reuniting of DFA-1979, which was almost expected after their earlier Coachella announcement. Nevertheless, it's exciting! Other notables include RATATAT, Wold Parade, Chromeo, Yeasayer, and so many more! Head on over the the Sasquatch Festival site to get all of the info and get your tickets fast!