Art Brut makes me want to rock out

Due to the confusion of various other activities I totally forgot to document one of the best gigs I was lucky enough to attend last month. It was one of those random deals as a friend hooked me up with a pass to Art Brut's sold out gig at the Luminaire (probably my favourite venue in London) which was being put on as part of Jack Daniels' JD Set concert promo series.

The band was even more boistrous and spastic than I expected and played almost every song from both albums. Lead singer Eddie Argos shared stories between songs, made several journeys through the audience (one culminating on top of the bar at the back of the club) and screamed a lot. We Are Scientists’ lead singer Keith Murray even made a surprise appearance during the encore, providing lyrics for "Bang Bang Rock n Roll" in lieu of Eddie, who showed up midway through the song to close the set amidst general mayhem.

I'm pretty sure tickets were only £10, everyone got free shots of JD and some lucky S.O.B. won an Art Brut-signed guitar at the end of the night. Art Brut rocked out and fellow Londoners Official Secrets Act were one of the better opening bands I've seen in ages. What more could an Art Brut fan ask for?

Official Secrets Act - Snakes and Ladders
Art Brut - Direct Hit

- a.m.p.m.

(thanks to Nick Greenan for image)

Everybody's Nude

A week ago today Radiohead announced a contest with a twist. The challenge? Remix the band's latest single, "Nude", submit it to the remix website and get the most people to vote for it. The cost? $4.95 The prize? Nothing. Well, Radiohead might listen to your remix.

The band made the track's five source elements available for 99 cents each on iTunes last week and almost 1,000 remixes have been submitted to the Nude Remix website since. Currently leading the pack with over 6,000 votes is Holy Fuck's version, but there are tons of other contenders including Amplive's "Nudez" and Night Facilities' sparse and haunting rework.

Radiohead - Nude (Night Facilities remix)
Radiohead - Nude (Holy Fuck remix)

- a.m.p.m.

I didn't know what time it was.

Having to use internet cafes in southeast Asia for two months can really make you lose track of what new music has been coming out. Then returning to the Ontario countryside with only a spotty wireless internet connection doesn't help out much more. And what a winter/spring it has been for great new stuff.

Allow me to begin my catch up of greatness with the new Destroyer album, Trouble in Dreams, by Canadian songwriter Dan Bejar. Yea, I'm a little late but then again I usually am...this guy has been making music since I was nine years old. But man, can this guy ever write some awesome music. My friend who introduced me to Destroyer's Rubies described everything about Bejar's music as enchanting and I tend to agree. He spins melodic fairy tales in a singer-songwriter fashion while still rocking out with a dense band sound behind him. While I don't feel that Trouble in Dreams is as strong an album as Rubies, Bejar's most recent effort contains some incredible tracks that stand their own against some of his best. The new album, and most of Bejar's old stuff, is available from Merge.

Destroyer - My Favourite Year
Destroyer - Foam Hands

Destroyer - Your Blood
(from Destroyer's Rubies)

-A.W.

Great Tings

The Ting Tings' incessant yet addictive new track "Great DJ" has been in my head for weeks with no sign of leaving any time soon. And now along comes a sweet remix.

The Ting Tings - Great DJ (IDC Rerub)

- a.m.p.m.

Contest: Jay Reatard, April 17th - Silver Dollar, Toronto

Jay must be the hardest working Reatard in the game right now.

In the midst of his 7" release spree with Matador records (releasing 6 singles in rapid-fire succession throughout 2008), hyperactive post-punk wunderkind Jay Reatard is also plowing through an insane amount of live shows across North America and the UK.

The first of these super limited edition 7" singles, See/Saw b/w Screaming Hand, is released today, conveniently the day we feel like talking about his upcoming Canadian dates with Montreal's CPC Gangbangs:

16 April - Ottawa - Babylon
17 April - Toronto - Silver Dollar
18 April - Montreal - La Sala Rossa

Thanks to ATG, BTA has a pair of tickets to the Toronto show up for grabs. If you're interested, email us with your contact info with the subject line "I'm the biggest Reatard I know".
Contest closes at 5:00pm on April 16th.

Also, be sure to check out video of a live Jay Reatard performance on the newly launched (and fucking excellent) Pitchfork TV.

Jay Reatard - See/Saw
Jay Reatard - Let it All Go

- bbbykmbrly.

Remix Smonday - The Fashion

The Fashion are from Copenhagen, Denmark and create bouncy indie rock. Tiger Baby are from Copenhagen too, but they make melancolic electropop. Put 'em together and what do you get? An excellent remix of The Fashion's infectious track "Like Knives", that's what.

The Fashion's second album is out in Denmark right now, and will see worldwide release in May.

The Fashion - Like Knives
Tiger Baby vs The Fashion - Like Knives

- a.m.p.m.

Interview: Tokyo Police Club talks new album, OHL hockey

bridgingtheatlantic: A Lesson in Crime left everyone wanting more. Were you guys under a lot of pressure for the new album?

Greg: We were definitely under alot of pressure. It took a while to figure out what we want to do with it. We would come up with a bridge or a chorus and we’d have these few false starts here and there. We would come out with one or two tracks and be like "OK cool. What next, you know?"

BTA: Is this a weight off your shoulders to get this first full length out?

G: Yeah Having the album out now is like we'll hopefully be solidifying our place. We hope that we're not just a flash in the pan.

BTA: Do you guys think that you'll “break it” with this record?

G: We hope it will. But like, we won’t stop playing shows no matter what happens. If it doesn’t happen hopefully people will still be coming. It’s what we love to do. If this becomes something bigger than yeah.

BTA: So you guys started with A Lesson in Crime and it kinda blew up around here and were called in to do pop Montreal? Was that the big turning point?

G: It was a huge turning point.

BTA: You guys like to keep your songs to the point. Your EP is only 16 minutes long. The new record just falls short of a half hour. Do you write your songs with a time frame in mind?

G: No, it kinda just turns out that way. Its not like we have a timer that buzzes and we’re like "ok, thats the song". We just feel that we don’t need to say anymore. We don’t feel it necessary to, you know, add another bridge or a chorus just to make it a little more radio friendly.

BTA: I was reading last night that you guys did some t-shirts for Playboy? What's up with that?

G: Ha-ha yeah, um. I don’t really know what’s going on with that. Its for some type of charity I believe...at least I hope it is. We also did the red campaign for AIDS in Africa. I think we feel like we have a little bit of responsibility to those kinds of things.

BTA: You just mentioned feeling a little responsible, I know he’s the scapegoat but do you think artists like Bono take it too far?

G: We don’t want a cause to over shadow the music. I think there is a lot of danger of that happening with those kinds of things. You know I can’t say anything bad about Bono, he's doing great things .

BTA: How was the transition to Saddle Creek?

G: We've really been enjoying it. So far they have been fantastic to us. When it came down to it we just had a gut feeling that we wanted to work with those people. The way they have taken their hometown scene and made it international while still keeping true to their roots is very much the way we want to do things. There are also a lot of great bands that are on the label; bright eyes, cursive. And they've always done it their way, never having to compromise their sound for anyone.

BTA: Ruby Coast has been the huge buzz lately at the BTA offices and I use office very, very loosely.

G: Oh that’s great, I’m really glad that they're starting to take off.

BTA: can you tell us a little bit about Ruby Coast?

G: um yeah, we played a show with them at a talent show at Newmarket High after we had graduated. and afterwords we were all like "wow they're really cool" and we sat and chatted after the show. they're actually good friends with my sister. and now i believe we're playing two shows with them in Ottawa and Montreal. but yeah, i hope all the best for them.

BTA: last question, how do you feel about the Newmarket Hurricanes losing in the first round of the playoffs?

G: I don’t care really.

neither do we.

Cheers,

MF Blaz

All I Do is Party

That photo's ideal for a day when our boy Frank Thomas pounded the shit out of the Red Sox. In a strange but convenient coincidence, the big hurt's new favorite song is MSTRKRFT's "Bounce," featuring N.O.R.E., or Noreaga as he'll stay in our hearts. Yes.

MSTRKRFT - Bounce (feat. N.O.R.E.)

- B.A.

Live: MUSCLES in Sydney

The Manning Bar, located in the heart of Sydney University, had a certain feel-good vibe to it last night. Maybe it was the cool air, the flowing drinks, (once you got them), the novelty of my Canadian accent, or just the fact that everyone had seemingly been preparing to see Muscles for some time now. After I put my shirt back on, it was time to catch the Melbourne artist, funnily enough by the same name. Armed with two keyboards and a microphone, he immediately had the crowd roaring and dancing by busting out 'Sweaty' as his opening track. By the time 'Ice Cream' came around, the audience had taken over the vocals. My only complaint about this show was that it was not nearly long enough to fulfill my trendster needs. The performance seemed to be barley an hour. The crowd tried for the encore, but it became quickly evident that dream was dead. Cue the lights and CD player. I think this for the most part was due to the campus venue having to close up shortly after 12 am, most likely the malicious work of a power hungry old Dean who doesn’t like awesomeness. Regardless, the friends and the music made this a great gig which you definitely can't miss out on if he comes your way. 'The Lake' tour is wrapping up with only a few more shows in Australia. Get your tickets now as every gig so far has been sold out. Check the short clip below.

- Matty B.

M83: Back to the Future

Remember those Simple Minds, Outfield, and Stone Roses songs? The ones where saccharine power chords and synthesizers would melt into the vocals? Maybe that's too specific or simply an act of misremembering (I should run for office), but if certain tracks from 2005's Before the Dawn Heals Us hinted of that direction (and ignoring the ambient detour of Digital Shades), then the the new M83 album Saturdays=Youth dives into that pool of influence from 30 meters. Pick your favorite goofy but generally life-affirming 80's movie and picture some of these songs in the background...it's eerily awesome how well Anthony Gonzalez has captured that period in every minute arrangement and adjustment on songs like "Kim & Jessie" and especially "Graveyard Girl."

If as a whole Saturdays=Youth was treated with four coats of varnish the aforementioned tracks wouldn't be nearly as good. Luckily for us the rest of the album is varied with some Air-tinged loungers, the pulsing gloom of lead-single "Couleurs," and the Eno-ambient closer "Midnight Souls Still Remain." This isn't his best work, but it's no slouch. If there's one French album you'll buy this year, it ought to be Sebastien Tellier's Sexuality. If your tax return is kind, buy this one as well.

M83 - Graveyard Girl
M83 - Kim & Jessie
M83 - We Own the Sky

- B.A.

Contest: MGMT Signed Vinyl

So everyone in the whole world knows about MGMT by now. But not everyone has a signed copy of Oracular Spectacular. BTA does. Two, actually.

But we're really nice. And so is Red Ink, who hooked us up. So, if you want one of them, send us an email. Title that email "please please please please please". Include your mailing address. Also include how much you love us. Be descriptive. Contest closes at noon on April 15th.

We also have a couple (two) runner-up prizes: a package including Oracular Spectacular on CD, an MGMT poster, and some ssssweet stickers.

Speaking of MGMT and April 15th - they're hitting the Mod Club in Toronto that night. Tickets here. Full tour dates here.

And... here are a few tracks that you won't find on that album - vintage MGMT for the folks back home.

MGMT - Just Becuz
MGMT - Indie Rokkers
MGMT - Kids (Afterschool Dance Mega Mix)

Oh, and check out this insane Youtube user footage of Andrew and Ben from MGMT drunk and belligerent at Zaphods in Ottawa, uploaded just last week. I'm pretty sure that's one-half of DJ Snugglebots in the background.

- bbbykmbrly.

Boom, baby.

The Kills are a BTA favourite, not least because they're equal parts British (guitarist Jamie Hince) and American (vocalist Alison Mosshart). According to Wikipedia (which is never, ever wrong):
"The duo first met when Mosshart heard Hince practicing in the hotel room above hers, and when their former groups disbanded they struck up a songwriting partnership. For months, the pair air mailed work tapes across the Atlantic; this proved to test the patience of both artists as it took days or weeks to get each others tapes, so Mosshart upped sticks from her Florida home and flew to London."

Sweet story. Anyway, the pair released their third album Midnight Boom on March 10th to rave reviews from just about everyone and it quickly hit the number one spot on the UK Indie chart. You can stream some tracks from the new album and find out more about the band here. The Kills are currently on a gigantic international tour.

The Kills - URA Fever
The Kills - Cheap and Cheerful
The Kills - Cheap and Cheerful (Nite Cells Bored Robot Remix)

- a.m.p.m.

Contest: Fool's Gold Tour (ft: A-Trak, Jokers of the Scene, and others), April 11th

Fool's Gold Records exemplifies exactly how fast music is moving in the internet years. Launched in April of last year by super DJ's A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, the electro/hip hop/mega party label has already boasted super singles and EPs, thrown killer parties at SXSW and others, and has quickly built a reputation that whatever they touch turns to... well, gold.

To (perhaps inadvertently) mark their 1st anniversary and all the successes that have already come, Fool's Gold is hitting the road with a full roster of beat breakers and party makers. The line-up for the Canadian dates, which includes stops in Montreal, Toronto, and Van-City, boasts a very impressive mix of international and homegrown talent: A-Trak himself, UK club DJ Sinden, Brooklyn mixtape master (and one-half of Certified Bananas) Sammy Bananas, as well as Ottawa heroes Jokers of the Scene and Toronto faves Nacho Lovers, and the promise of surprise special guests.

Good guys A.P.E. have hooked BTA up with a pair of passes for the Toronto version of this certified shit show, April 18th at the State Theatre, 69 Bathurst street. To enter, email us with the subject line "Gimme the Gold!" before noon on April 10th.

The Toronto show already has about 7 zillion people confirmed on its facebook page, so if you want to guarantee admittance, I suggest ticket purchasing immediately. They're $15 early-bird, which is such a steal it rivals that time O.J. Dingo held up your local CIBC at gunpoint.

Jokers of the Scene - Juggle It (William Russell remix)
Count and Sinden - Beeper ft Kid Sister (A-Trak remix)

- bbbykmbrly.

Remix Sunday: DVNO. Four Capital Letters, Printed in Gold...

Back when Justice dropped their debut album last year, it was a smash; brilliant hard electro that beckoned to the big beat days of the likes of Cyrstal Method and the Chemical Brothers. They did what no electronic act could do for a decade - they made an album the rockers love to D.A.N.C.E. to.

While that record was listened to from front-to-back last summer trillions of times by myself and everyone I knew, one track took the longest to grow on me.

DVNO.

Why? I think at first it was the vocals. It sounded like a house song (and I detest house music, more than I detest Bon Jovi or Nickleback...house music is the bane of my existence). After a few more focused listens I realized the beauty of this song lays in the vocals themselves. Mehdi Pinson sings with perfect nonchalantness and drawl. He doesn't give a fuck and thats what makes him "cool". It's not only his style of singing that makes the track though; the way Justice tweeks, splices and cuts his vocals around the break beats behind them is nothing short of legendary.

Below I've provided three remixes of what is arguably the most remixed track off the record. The Surkin remix I find most impressive as it stays true to the original while adding a beautiful string part and chops the vocals masterfully into little snippets of pleasure.

Justice - DVNO (Surkin Remix)
Justice - DVNO (LA Riots Remix)
Justice - DVNO (Transformer di Roboter High Quality Mate Remix)

Justice - DVNO [OFFICIAL VIDEO]


Cheers,
MF Blaz

p.s
if you're wondering what DVNO means...

"In every suburb of the world, in every city, there's always a nightclub called El Divino... Clubs where you have to wear like a white shirt to get in,"

Wolf Blitzer

Reasons We Are Wolves will blow your mind.

• Rad band T-shirts
• An upcoming European tour landing them in London, Dublin, Hamburg, and a magical place called Osbnabrück.
• Their collection of killer music videos (definitely worth checking out).
• They do bilingualism without making it seem cheesy/forced.
• Their label Dare to Care Records has some solid cred, boasting beauties like Malajube (a personal favourite), The Sainte Catherines, and rockabilly punk act Yesterday’s Ring.
• Their latest album Total Magique is an electropop dream.

We are Wolves - Fight & Kiss
We are Wolves - Magique

-mca

CASXIO (pronunciation key: ka-sexy-oh)

CASXIO is a funk/disco/etc. four-piece from L.A. who been making waves in their hometown with notoriously energetic live shows and insanely catchy tunes, drawing comparisons to Sly and the Family Stone, Prince and Talking Heads. The disco-tinged 'Seventeen' brings to mind United-era Phoenix and stands up extremely well to repeated listening.

CASXIO - Seventeen

- a.m.p.m.

Live: Chromeo in Ottawa

For those who know Ottawa, you'll agree Capital Music Hall isn't the most special of venues. It has little to offer in the way of uniqueness, and the grossly overpriced beer doesn't help matters much. However, when Chromeo rolled into town Friday, the place exploded...honestly the best show at Capital in a good while...

The boys that split their downtime between Montreal and New York came to deliver. While yours truly doesn't offer a whole lot in terms of fancy footwork, I, like most there didn't really give a shit about impressions. That's the thing about Chromeo that fans can agree on, it seems like a terribly contrived fad band to some, all about fashion and recycled trends mashed together, but if you let go of the cynicism and listen to the music, it's brilliant. On record they deliver simple, effective lovers funk - as they call it, and in person it's the soundtrack to a wild party.

Over the course of the night Chromeo played pretty much the entirety of both She's in Control and Fancy Footwork, with three encores...that's right 3. Though the entire set was great, the highlights were definitely "Momma's Boy," "Rage!," "Tenderoni," and "Mercury Tears," dedicated to those who were with them from the start. All in all a crazy show, if these boys roll through your town you best be there. Thanks Bonita for the photos...

Chromeo - Momma's Boy
Chromeo - Tenderoni
Chromeo - Rage!

- B.A.

Contest: Dragonette - April 3rd, Toronto

Despite defecting to the UK, Canadian electropop outfit Dragonette obviously have a soft spot for their homeland. Their most recent cross-Canada tour kicks off this evening in sunny Calgary, AB, marking their second extensive excursion of the country in less than 6 months.

Their attentiveness to our home and native land is seemingly paying off, however, as they're up for a Juno for Best New Group on April 6th, also in Calgary. They seem to stand a legitimate chance, too, as the competition in the category is anything but fierce. From a blogosphere perspective (which probably holds negative weight when considering the Juno winners), Dragonette's big tracks "I Get Around" (which has at least a couple palatable-to-excellent remixes), and their gender-swapped Calvin Harris cover "the Boys" put them in a two-horse race with Halifax's Wintersleep.

Just before jetting off to the awards, Dragonette is in Toronto on April 3rd at the Phoenix. And, thanks to our new friends at Emerge Entertainment, we've got a pair of tickets to the show to give away. Simply email us with the subject line "Puff the magic Dragonette", along with your contact info, to enter. Contest closes on April 2nd, at noon.

The bill also boasts two of Toronto's most talked-about acts, Fritz Helder & the Phantoms, and Sweet Thing. Fritz Helder is known for their flashy, keytar-driven live show that they've brought on the road with the likes of Chromeo and others. Sweet Thing is infectious power pop, reminiscent of Queen meets the Killers, whose major label debut (on EMI) is in the works.

Dragonette - I Get Around (Fisher Preyes remix)
Dragonette - The Boys (Calvin Harris cover)

- bbbykmbrly.

Untrust Them

Two four hour train journeys to and from Edinburgh over the Easter weekend provided some much needed time to catch up on the many excellent new releases of late, and give quasi-new releases multiple listenings.

I'm happy to report that Crystal Castles' eponymous debut album, released March 18th, does not disappoint. Of the dozen tracks I hadn't yet heard all are strong, particularly 'Black Panther' and 'Courtship Date'.

London indie music bible Loud and Quiet has dubbed the Toronto duo "the most exciting and original band in the world right now" and they're probably right. I strongly recommend picking the album up here and seeing them live ASAP. They're in Montreal this Thursday and Toronto on Friday. Crystal Castles return to London for the Camden Crawl in April.

Crystal Castles - Black Panther
Crystal Castles - Courtship Date

- a.m.p.m.

Reverend and the Monkeys

If you like Arctic Monkeys, you'll dig Reverend and the Makers. It's as simple as that. The lead singers of the two bands actually share a flat, both are from Sheffield, and their sound is similar. Reverend and the Makers' first album, The State of Things, was released last September and has netted three number one UK Indie singles for the band. Not too shabby.

Reverend and the Makers - Bandits
Reverend and the Makers - Open Your Window

- a.m.p.m.

Pemberton Festival 2008

We are t-minus 127 days until the first ever Pemberton festival, located at the base of Mount Currie, about 30 minutes from Whistler, BC. This 3-day long event is sure to provide a bit of musical bliss for everyone in attendance, and hopefully becomes an annual affair. The headliners for this festival are sure to attract the masses, with the likes of Jay-Z, Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails, and Tom Petty taking the main stage. But surprisingly, check out who else is showing up for the shindig: MGMT, Vampire Weekend, MSTRKRFT, Interpol, Chromeo, and Wintersleep, just to name a few of the bands that we often rant and rave about. You would be crazy not to show up! BTA will be there to cover the action and hopefully get a chance to talk to some of these guys during the festival. Tickets go on sale March 28th, and I wouldn't sit around thinking about going or not because they are sure to go fast, even with the hefty price tag of $290.00. Make sure to also look into camp site passes or other accommodations as well. Check the official site for the full line up and details. See you there!

Matty B.

LCD Soundsystem to be featured in upcoming Vegas flick.

I think it's safe to say that at this moment of my life LCD Soundsystem can do little-to-no wrong. Last year they topped my best album list and best song list along along with coming in the top 5 (at least) of every major indie blog, paper, or whatever. Sound of Silver was a massive hit and was an instant classic. After the album was spun millions of times by everyone people started to look towards the future of James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem. I myself even toyed with the idea that James should quit. Sound of Silver is a record that only comes once every few years, surely nothing they put out now can reach the same level of awesome.

Well, I'm kinda wrong. LCD Soundsystem has released a track for the upcoming Vegas flick, 21. It's good; real good. It sounds like a Sound of Silver b-side with the bass line snaking around a very static and simple drum beat. Now, while it does sound like it could have come directly off the same master track that say Us v. Them or Time to Get Away were recorded on, it shows progress. It sounds different than the record and I, for one, couldn't have been more excited.

LCD Soundsystem - Big Ideas

Cheers,
MF Blaz

Preview: Tilly and the Wall

The definition of Cacophony reads: "a discordant and meaningless mixture of sounds." We'd be hard pressed to say that the tap-dance percussion and gang vocals of Omaha troupe Tilly and the Wall be described as such, but hey maybe their song title carries with it an ironic tone that lesser bands use to make material seem clever. Knowing very well the talent in this raucous five-some, it's apparent that the name really isn't compensating for any mediocrity in the music. While they pack plenty of sounds into this song, and most songs, the blends created are actually pretty harmonious, rarely allowing one element to become overbearing.

O, the tentatively titled follow up to the excellent Bottoms of Barrels arrives June 17th. Hopefully the album lives up to "Cacophony," previously included on the Beat Control 7", and thankfully included again on this next full length.

Tilly and the Wall - Cacophony

(Spinner.com with the link)

- B.A.

New Music: Foals - Antidotes

Foals are bananas. Not to say bananas are also Foals, that's an outrageous statement and a fallacious argument given our understanding of what Foals in fact are (five-piece from Oxford). If you think we're losing it, consider Sub Pop's egregious description of Foals' guitar sound as both insect and Andy Roddick-like. Whatever they're on, we want it. To reiterate, Foals are bananas. Their Antidotes drops the first week of April, which includes previously released singles "Mathletics" and breakout 2007 hit "Hummer."

*opening line has some relevance, see?

Foals - Mathletics
Foals - Balloons

- B.A.

Stainless Style

Neon Neon = Boom Bip (electronic producer) + Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals frontman). Yesterday marked the release of the duo's first album Stainless Style, supposedly a tribute to the life of John DeLorean (remember the car in Back to the Future?). The album is chock full of hooks, 80s electropop glory, and collaborations with other artists including Spank Rock and The Magic Numbers. You can listen to the whole thing on their myspace page.

Neon Neon - I Lust U

- a.m.p.m.

Remix Sunday: Fabric Rejects Justice Mix - Bloggers Accept With Open Ears

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past few months, a brief recap:
1) In late 2007 Justice was asked to contribute a mix compilation for the Fabriclive series to be released in 2008
2) Justice created said mix compilation for Fabric
2) Fabric rejected the mix (the exact reason why is unclear)
3) Justice released their mix via Ed Banger to friends as the Justice Xmas Mix in December
4) The mix then (inevitably) leaked to the 'net
5) Justice is now to create a second submission for release as Fabriclive 40 in June 2008

You can grab the whole thing in all its rejected glory here for free; tracklist below.

01 Sparks – Tryouts For The Human Race
02 Rondo Veneziano – La Serenissima
03 Goblin – Tenebre
04 Daft Punk – Ouverture
05 Surkin – Next Of Kin
06 Symbolone – Love Juice
07 Korgis – Everybodys Gotta Learn Sometimes
08 Midnight Juggernauts – Ending Of An Era
09 The Paradise Ft Romauld – In Love With You
10 Justice – TTHHEE PPAARRTTYY (Acapella)
11 Chic – Everybody Dance
12 Frankie Valli – Who Loves You
13 Das Pop – Underground
14 Julien Clerc – Quand Je Joue
15 Daniel Balavoine – Vivre Ou Survivre
16 Richard Sanderson – Reality
17 Zoot Woman – Grey Day
18 Fucking Champs – Thor Is Like Immortal
19 The Rave – Mother
20 Fancy – You Never Know
21 Frank Stallone – Far From Over
22 Sheila – Misery
23 Todd Rundgren – International Feel

It's interesting to note that Goblin's "Tenebre" (the basis for "Phantom") was included early in the mix. Thanks to a movie industry hookup, we've got a free copy of Dario Argento's film of the same name to give away following a related post back in January. Email us with the word tenebre in the subject line and your mailing address to win a DVD of the film.

Daft Punk - Ouverture

- a.m.p.m.

Join the Club

Slow Club may be just one of the many talented bands on London independent label Moshi Moshi Records, but they happen to be my favourite at the moment. The duo from Sheffield is among good company; the label boasts a list of accomplished internationals including The Mae-Shi, Lykke Li, Tilly and the Wall, Architecture in Helsinki and Mates of State as well as sterling British acts like Hot Chip, The Wave Pictures, Late of the Pier, The Rakes and Kate Nash.

Music Week's description of the band's sound as "sacharine folk-pop that turns your usually miserable scribe into a radiant ray of positivity" is accurate, as are comparisons to Tilly and the Wall. Slow Club's second single Me and You was released back in October and their debut album will likely be available early this summer. Catch them at the Camden Crawl in April with an entourage of their Moshi Moshi labelmates.

Slow Club - Me and You

- a.m.p.m.

CONTEST: Sons and Daughters, March 26 - Toronto

Though it's only March, Scotland's Sons and Daughters' January release this Gift already has numerous writers in the blogosphere ramblin' on about year-end lists. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself (who knows what the future may hold), but I can safely say that it's very very solid.

And, after having spent the past few years opening for the likes of Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, Throwing Muses, Editors, and others, the band (which consists of sons - David Gow, Scott Patterson, and daughters - Adele Bethel and Ailidh Lennon) are taking their headlining tour to our side of the pond, including a stop at Lee's Palace on March 26th.

ATG Concerts has hooked us up with two tickets for this show to give to you, our lovely readership. If you want em, email us with the subject "Sons & Daughters & BTA, Oh My!" As always, please include your full name and contact info. Contest closes at noon on March 25th.

Sons and Daughters - Gilt Complex
Sons and Daughters - Goodbye Service

- bbbykmbrly.

Contest: NO SHAME Anniversary - the Winks, XYZ Affair, & Green Go

NO SHAME has spent an entire year bringing some stellar musical entertainment to us very greatful Torontonians. Bands such as Woodhands, Republic of Safety, Plants and Animals, Spiral Beach, Forest City Lovers, Amos the Transparent and trillions of others have rocked the Tiger Bar, and more recently the Drake Hotel thanks to the mysterious girl known to her many fans only as "Lauren Schreiber".

The bands on the bill for the anniversary party, March 21st at the Drake Underground, aptly demonstrate the amount of fun which has become synonymous with the NO SHAME showcases since their birth. Those bands are Montreal's the Winks, Brooklyn's XYZ Affair, and my new favourite band, Guelph's Green Go!

Thanks to the afforementioned Ms Schreiber and her NO SHAME empire, we've got a pair of tickets to give away to one very lucky BTA reader. To enter, send us an email to contact@bridgingtheatlantic.net with "I have absolutely NO SHAME" as the subject line. Please include your full name and contact info. Contest ends Thursday, March 20th at noon o' clock.

As for the show - show up by 8pm. Do not miss Green Go! That's basically an order.

XYZ Affair - All My Friends
the Winks - Ohio

- bbbykmbrly.

Brother Please. No more Pamela Lees, let’s set it straight. I’m the biggest thing out of Canada till Quebec separates.

Shadrach Kabango was born in Kenya, but his earliest memories land him in London, Ontario Canada. For many, the host city of North America’s second largest ribfest may seem like an odd place to develop skills on the mic…but it worked out for Shadrach.

I’m betting that his mother (a poet) had a lot to do with it.

Since leaving his hometown in London to pursue his music career and a university education, Shad (as he’s known in the music world) has built a solid name for himself. He has opened for Common, performed at Canadian Music Week, and he is signed to Black Box Recordings (owned by Universal). Most recently, Shad's newest album The Old Prince has been nominated for a 2008 Juno award; getting a nod for Rap Recording of the Year. This selection is well deserved, as the album is packed with clever lyrics, a diverse set of themes, and an old-school feel that cannot be ignored.

Top tracks on the album include “Brother (Watching),” “The Old Prince Still Lives at Home,” and “Compromise."

“Brother (Watching)" is a song about the stereotypes and struggles which young black Canadians are forced to deal with as they grow up today; a topic which Shad consciously stayed away from when he began his career. Next, “The Old Prince Still Lives at Home” is a light-hearted track that could easily fit on a Skee-lo album. Finally “Compromise” reeks of Shad's regular feel - an old school beat, lyrics that make you grin, and a socially-aware theme that sparks some introspection.

I first saw Shad perform when I ran shows at the University of Ottawa in 2006 and 2007. Back then, Shad and his band arrived on campus in what looked to be a 1990 Aerostar. The engine was smoking, rust covered the wheel wells, and the van broke down just as they arrived. While his vehicle was ready for the scrap yard, Shad’s performance was more alive than I could have imagined that night, and I have been a fan ever since.

Here’s hoping that The Old Prince nabs that Juno. Maybe then he could score an endorsement deal with Parkway Ford and upgrade to a 2002 Windstar.

Shad - Brother (Watching)
Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives At Home
Shad - Compromise

-mca

singing, "I'M NOT FINISHED, I'M NOT FINISHED! NO!"

Hey kids! How are you all? Haven't had a chat in a while and it's good to be back. Although I have been absent in posting my most 'recent' finds (although most not 'recent', just haven't posted about said 'recent' find) I've definitely been keeping up with the Jones'. One album that I just got my hands on was the Los Campesinos! album Hold On Now, Youngster. By golly! What a gem! I love an album that comes across as fun, bold and artistic at the same time. Not many albums fall under all three categories let alone just one!

Hailing from Cardiff, UK Los Campesinos! is comprised of 7 team members; 4 dudes and 3 lady friends (who might I add are super cute...and if any of you ladies are reading this, "Hello!"). Their latest output and their first full length entitled Hold On Now, Youngster is, as I mentioned before, a whole lot of fun. It mixes messy pop hooks and guitar solos with a playful atmosphere that gets you bouncing in your seat...or wherever you happened to be. The dynamics and obvious chemistry between the two singers make it possible for people to connect with them. They sound like to best friends having a conversation with each other which in turn draws you in. Another A+ goes to the team chanting moments...but I'm a big sucker for team chanting.

The album is available for digital download here and it comes highly recommended from this blogger.

Los Campesinos! - Death to Los Campesinos!
Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing!

Cheers,
MF Blaz

Remix Sunday: Night Facilities takes on Adele

For those of you who haven't heard of Adele basically all you need to know is that she's only 19, won the first Brit Awards Critics’ Choice prize in December, and she is considered to be the next Amy Winehouse. Which is fortunate, as the original Amy Winehouse probably won't be around a whole lot longer. Adele's album 19 hit number 1 in the UK charts in January and New York, L.A., Toronto and London stops on her current tour are already sold out.

British remixer extraordinaire Night Facilities recently worked his magic on Adele's first single 'Hometown Glory' and it might even be better than the original. His first volume of remixes is available here for free.

Adele - Hometown Glory (Night Facilities remix)
Adele - Last Nite (The Strokes Cover)

- a.m.p.m.

Mammoth Life

Mammoth Life is from Lawrence, Kansas and describe themselves as an art movement rather than a musical group. Founders Nicholas Goss and Elizabeth Mead began composing music in 2005 and a handful of other artists with various backgounds (photography, film, clothing design, literature) soon jumped on board to form the collective. Debut LP Kaleidoscopic Art Pop was released in December of last year and first track 'To Suffer for Passion' is a true indie-pop gem indeed.

Mammoth Life - To Suffer for Passion

- a.m.p.m.

Friday Grab Bag

Atlas Sound is the solo project from Deerhunter frontman Bradford James Cox. To be honest, I don't know a lot about Deerhunter but positive responses seem to be pretty common with most listeners. What caught my attention with this project is the intriguing album title, Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel. The sound is understated but heavily layered, a bit in the vein of Panda Bear, but judge for yourself. "Quarantined" is the standout track, one of many on the album worth hearing.

Atlas Sound - Quarantined

Nico's "These Days" remains one of my favorite movie songs of all time, as it fit brilliantly within the distinctive confines of The Royal Tenenbaums. Band of Horses opener Tyler Ramsey has his own crack at it, slowing the tempo and singing with a contemplative croon that's quite akin to Neil Young. The song is the eighth track on Ramsey's album A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea, which may put you to sleep, but should not be slept on...

Tyler Ramsey - These Days
Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream
Nico - These Days

- B.A.

Think About Condominiums

The Ottawa contingent of BTA recently witnessed a bit of local history: the alleged final show in the basement of 59 Argyle, the little rock and roll townhouse that could. While the show's close heard several drunken and disorderly cries of protest, it was a good run while it lasted.

It was fitting that Montreal-based Think About Life were there to headline and close out the unique venue's final act, as they're the band above all others that truly embraced the exposed-piping and dust swirling ambiance of this unfinished basement. To a duct-worker it probably wouldn't look too special, but to the 75 (we're guessing) people in attendance on Thursday night, the basement was simply a place to party and enjoy live music, free from really any sort of superficiality.

Shortly after guests were treated to baked goods in the living area upstairs, people headed into the dungeon for Ottawa's Fucked Corpse. Despite snapping a drum pedal, the set was high energy, comedic, and musically tight for the most part. Fucked Corpse is literally the house band, with at least one member to our knowledge living there, and they were fittingly well-received by friends and newcomers alike.

After the set, everybody was ushered upstairs to enjoy some more baked goods while Montreal duo Wax Attic set up their equipment. Once the go-ahead was given, Wax Attic treated the basement crowd (which was beginning to grow) to their own blend of 'psychedelic thrash'. Overall, the set was enjoyable… save one song which lacked the tight rhythmic pattern they displayed throughout the rest of the performance. Oh, and one of the dudes was dressed as a lion mascot, so kudos for not passing out on the fans.

After the final break the anxious crowd rushed back downstairs to be wowed by Think About Life. At this point, most were damp with sweat, the ceiling pipes dripped condensation, and no one could have been happier. The set's highlights included favourites like 'Paul Cries' and new tracks that incorporated some killer sampling (stand-out using an E-40 sample, check the video). Tambourines shook, the swarm rocked back and forth, and at the end of it all, it appeared that the band couldn't have supplied any more energy to the ecstatic crowd.

BTA would like to thank 59 Argyle for providing the city of Ottawa with concert events like no other. Experiencing Argyle reminds you of what going to a show is really about, and that reminder will be sorely missed.

Think About Life - Paul Cries
Think About Life - Serious Chords

- B.A. and mca.

New Tokyo Police Club: "In a Cave"

Today marks the first peak at what these Newmarketers have up their sleeves for their upcoming debut LP, Elephant Shell. The album is due out at the end of April on Saddle Creek.

Torontonians can catch the band as part of Canadian Music Week next Saturday at the Royal York hotel. Also, check out the interview BTA did with the boys a couple weeks ago.

Tokyo Police Club - In A Cave

- bbbykmbrly.

Contest: Plants and Animals' Parc Avenue Prize Pack

Montreal's Secret City Records have about as solid of a track record as a label could ever hope for. With only four artists on their label to date, they already boast one Polaris Music Prize winner (Patrick Watson), a fellow 2007 nominee (Miracle Fortress), and international sensations the Go! Team. So it's not surprising that when the ladies and gentlemen at Secret City start talking about their newest addition, basically everyone in the independent music scene listens.

The new guys are Montreal's Plants and Animals, whose first full-length on the label was released yesterday. The album, described as "an epic-rock-pop-soul train", is a very solid addition to the label's already impressive discography. And lucky for all of you kids, we've got a couple to give away!

Thanks to the nice folks at Secret City, we've got two copies of the new album, Parc Avenue to the first two people who can correctly tell us "what does the woman's t-shirt say on the cover of Parc Avenue?" Act now, and you'll also receive a copy of Plants and Animals' 2007 EP, with/avec. That's pretty damn sweet.

Email us your answer with "I love both Plants and Animals" in the subject line to contact@bridgingtheatlantic.net along with your full contact info, including mailing address.

The band plays tomorrow night, February 28th at Zaphod's in Ottawa, and as part of Chart Magazine's Canadian Music Week showcase, March 6th at the Horseshoe in Toronto. There are also rumours about an in-store at Criminal Records the following day. Keep an eye on their website for this announcement, as well as full tour dates.

Plants and Animals - Bye Bye Bye
Plants and Animals - Faerie Dance

- bbbykmbrly.

Hoods in Canada this week

Head up to the nosebleed section of your closest Canadian venue to check out Suffa MC, Pressure MC, and DJ Debris. Together they form Australian hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods. On their home turf, the Hoods bring their high energy performance to countless sold out crowds and share main stage status at festivals with the likes of Arcade Fire and Rage Against the Machine. And keep your eyes on the streets for the Hilltop Hoods special edition DC shoe, because we all know the highest pinnacle of fame is reached once your name is on footwear. The Hoods are now seeking such notoriety outside of Australia. With Canadian dates beginning this week in Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler, and Toronto, this is a show which surely can't be missed. On some levels, I do tend to associate Hilltop Hoods with foreign counterparts, such as our own Swollen Members. (I'm not sure if that's a positive or a negative..?) But then I hear how fluidly and effortlessly these guys distribute their lyrics over top of some great samples as well as contributions from the likes of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and see that there is some great musicianship at work here by people who are obviously not afraid to try something new and further extend the borders of current hip-hop. Check their myspace page for full show and venue details.


- Matty B.

Feb 26th: The Day I Killed My First Love

So this morning the unthinkable happened. I crashed my car. I am still in shock and shambles and am trying to figure out how I'm going to make life work now. You see I commute to both my jobs and to school; each being at least 25 minutes away. My life is my car and I have this feeling like my life just got a punch to the jugular.

At least I didn't get a ticket.

In better news we're throwing a contest for Sally Shapiro and all the details on that little diddy are below.

I leave you now with my soundtrack for February 26th 2008.

The Blood Brothers - Love Rhymes with Hideous Car Wreck
Brand New - Limousine
Our Lady Peace - Car Crash

Cheers,
MF Blaz

Contest: Sally Shapiro, DJ Set in Toronto

There are few greater niceties in life than the elements of Swedish culture which manage to spill over onto the North American radar: delicious meatballs, ideal human specimens, and pretty pop music.

On the topic of the latter, Sweden's Sally Shapiro (alongside producer Johan Agebjorn) makes a kind of euro-disco-house pop perfectly prescribed for a Volkswagen commercial or a delightful spring day. And, as the weather has just recently begun hinting at greener pastures here in Toronto, it can't be more suiting that they're on their way here.

Sally Shapiro & Johan Agebjorn play a DJ set at Wrongbar next Tuesday, March 4th. And thanks to our new best friends at ATG, we've got a pair of tickets to give away. To enter, simply email us with "Sally Shapiro the Swedish Sensation" in the subject, and include your full contact information. Contest closes at noon on March 3rd.

The fact that they've opted for a DJ set isn't terribly surprising to anyone who is remotely familiar with the mystery surrounding Ms. Shapiro. She's never once performed her own songs live, and her real name (Sally Shapiro being a pseudonym) is a complete mystery.

Sally's album, Disco Romance, is available across the globe on Toronto's own Paper Bag Records. Also available is a full remix album, Remix Romance Vol. I, featuring the revamping skills of Junior Boys, Holy Fuck, Lindstrøm, and others. Both are really super great.

Sally Shapiro - Jackie Jackie (Dylan's Subzero Remix)
Sally Shapiro - He Keeps Me Alive

- bbbykmbrly.

the D'Urbervilles' Release Party Mania

I absolutely cannot stop listening to We Are the Hunters. The new record from Toronto-and-area indie rocksters the D'Urbervilles was released last Tuesday on Out of This Spark records, also home to last year's incredible Friends in Bellwoods compilation (featuring Bry Webb of the Constantines and Oh Bijou's Casey Mecija covering the Velvet Underground classic 'Oh! Sweet Nuthin'. Check it out here) and the soon-to-be-released Forest City Lovers disc.

The album's 9 tracks are mostly new material, but does feature the stand-out tracks from their earlier self-titled EP, including a slightly revamped (for the better) "Spin the Bottle".

The band is about to embark on a pretty extensive Canadian tour in support of the new album, which kicks off real proper-like this Friday at the Ford Plant in Brantford, aka the best room to ever see any band ever.

The full tour details are below. If you plan to check the band out when they come to your town(which I highly encourage), do yourself a favour and come in time for the openers. They've done a fine fine job of lining up some incredible support, including Secret City Records' new project Plants and Animals, as well as Fox Jaws, labelmates Forest City Lovers, and indie songster Nich Worby. The tour finishes in style April 24th in Guelph with Born Ruffians.

29 Feb - Brantford, ON - the Ford Plant - CD Release w/ Plants and Animals
1 March - Waterloo, ON - Trepid House - CD Release w/ Bocce (all-ages)
7 March - Kingston, ON - the Grad Club - CD Release w/ Nich Worby
8 March - Peterborough, ON - the Spill - CD Release w/ the Spill
13 March - Guelph, ON - EBar - CD Release w/ Forest City Lovers
14 March - Toronto, ON - Tranzac- CD Release w/ Forest City Lovers
17 March - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge - w/ Fox Jaws
18 March - London, ON - the Alex P. Keaton - w/ Fox Jaws
19 March - Barrie, ON - the Foundation - w/ Fox Jaws
20 March - Hamilton, ON - the Casbah Lounge - w/ the Magic
21 March - Oshawa, ON - the Velvet Elvis - w/ the Magic
22 March - Montreal, PQ - Friendship Cove - w/ the Adam Brown, the Magic
25 March - Fredericton, NB - ReNeu Boutique - w/ the Forest City Lovers
26 March - St. John, NB - A Khord - w/ Forest City Lovers
27 March - Halifax, NS - the Wardroom - w/ Forest City Lovers
28 March - Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub - w/ Forest City Lovers, the Just Barelys, Rich Aucoin
29 March - Charlottetown, PEI - JFK House - w/ Forest City Lovers
1 April - Ottawa, ON - Maverick's - w/ Forest City Lovers
3 April - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - the Arc
4 April - Thunder Bay, ON - the Apollo - w/ the Burning Hell
5 April - Winnipeg, MB - Music Trader - In-store performance
5 April - Winnipeg, MB - the Cavern
8 April - Medicine Hat, AB - the Ottoman
9 April - Lethbridge, AB - the Slice
12 April - Victoria, BC - Logan's Pub - w/ the Paper Cranes, Rugged Uncle, Slam Dunk
16 April - Prince George, BC - Pizza Rico's
17 April - Calgary, AB - Broken City - w/ Frosted Tipz
18 April - Canmore, AB - the Canmore Hotel - w/ Frosted Tipz
19 April - Edmonton, AB - the Pawn Shop - w/ Frosted Tipz
24 April - Guelph, ON - Vinyl - w/ Born Ruffians

the D'Urbervilles - Spin the Bottle
the D'Urbervilles - Hot Tips

- bbbykmbrly.

Remix Sunday: Radiohead Rainydayz Remixes by Amplive

Oakland producer/DJ Amplive has released (for free) his 8 track remix project based on Radiohead's super-duper 2007 album and these tracks are, to this listener's ears, the best In Rainbows remixes created yet.

According to 1776, the website currently distributing Rainydayz Remixes:

"After a cease & desist put the brakes on Amplive's Radiohead In Rainbows remix project, the online music community reasonably wondered if the tracks would ever see the light of day. Well, here they are.

Rainydayz Remixes is composed exclusively of source material pulled from In Rainbows, re-envisioned by Amplive and complimented by vocal work from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Codany Holiday, and Del The Funky Homosapien."

Tracklist:
01 Rainydayz
02 Video Tapez (ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)
03 Nudez (ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi of Zion I)
04 Weird Fishez
05 All I Need
06 15 Stepz (ft. Codany Holiday)
07 Reckonerz (ft. Chali2na)
08 Faustz

Grab the entire album here gratis.

Amplive - Video Tapez (ft. Del the Funky Homosapien)
Amplive - Weird Fishez

- a.m.p.m.

Hot Chip, Hot Ballad

Although the general consensus is that Hot Chip's new release Made in the Dark is stellar, some folks aren't feeling the ballads. Admittedly, I prefer the more upbeat portions of the album myself, but title track 'Made in the Dark' is so sweet it can't be ignored.

To counteract the sappy selection above, check out Hot Chip's excellent cover of Caribou's 'She's the One' found on the 12" single.

Hot Chip's current UK tour culminates with a performance at London's Brixton Academy on February 29th. And yes, it's sold out. Canadians can catch them in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver April 15th, 16th and 21st respectively.

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
Caribou - She's the One (Hot Chip cover)

- a.m.p.m.

Music For Midnight: Zach Lipkins

One of my favorite parts about writing for Bridging the Atlantic is getting emails with completely new music. I've spent at least the last three years rrrrrreally digging for it and it's so great to have people send it right to our email account. Thanks alot guys, please, keep it coming.

Zack Lipkins was one of those people who sent us his myspace and frankly I was pulled in within the first 30 seconds of 'Overneath'. What I was drawn into was the naturally electronic sound of the instruments that were added in subtle but effective layers. Its hard to describe the sound of 'naturally electronic' but artists like Telefon Tel Aviv really encapsulate it. They're obviously made or altered by a computer but the sound is very organic. Like I said, it's hard to explain. While Telefon Tel Aviv are a world more 'naturally electronic' than Zack, he has the very same basic elements. He adds quick breaks that keep you progressively more intrigued and interested. And as the title suggests, it is definitely required late-night listening. The music works so well in your headphones, weaving patterns and images in the back of your mind.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think that I was tripping on acid.

Wait a tick...

Zack Lipkins - Overneath
Zach Lipkins - Magnets and Velcron
Bonus
Telefon Tel Aviv - Fahrenheit Fair Enough

Cheers,
MF Blaz

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Present: Your Fifteen Minutes

This has got to be one of the coolest ideas I've heard about in awhile.

As posted on their myspace page yesterday, Richard Edwards, lead vocalist and songwriter for Indianapolis' Margot & the Nuclear So and So's is looking to write an entire album about a total stranger. Actually, scratch that, but three full albums about three different strangers.

"I'm planning to compose, and record, a collection of three albums about three specific people. I'd like to take applications from people who would like to have an album composed about them. The application must be...

1. 500 words about yourself and your background.

I'm searching out people on my own as well.

If I feel like I'd like to use you in some way, you will need to be available for MANY more questions, as well as be able to provide alot of material about yourself.
Old school photos
dental records
old love letters etc, etc. etc......

This will probably take me four years. The first one should be ready in 2009/2010.

Even if your application doesn't make the final cut, no doubt through lack of vision on my part, I have a great project for all of the applications. And EVERYONE will be involved.

This is VERY important to me. It's the future of margot recordings, and a major undertaking for the next few years of my life. I hope you will be involved. I will be in contact with any of you who decide to participate."

Within the first 24 hours of the post, he's received "a couple hundred submissions". I assume these will keep coming as word gets 'round of a very excellent, and very buzz-worthy creative idea.

The band are currently in the studio finishing up their new album. Here are some demos which are expected to find their way (in polished form) on the album.

Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos - Holy Cow! (demo)
Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos - Tall as Cliffs (demo)

- bbbykmbrly.

All Points West Reveal Line-Up

So the initial line-up announcement from All Points West, which is put on by those same people who decided to fuck the east coast and put Coachella in Indio, California, is actually very good. Besides the obviously amazing prospect of duel Radioheadlining we also see a great bill with Andrew Bird, The Go! Team, Nicole Atkins, Black Kids and many many more. I mean, the last 6 bands on Saturday are, in my opinion, worth the price of admission alone. Check it out, we'll keep you posted on more developments as they come.

Friday
Radiohead
Underworld
Spearhead
The New Pornographers
The Go! Team
Girl Talk
CSS
Forro in the Dark
Juana Molina
Little Brother
Andrew Bird
Mates of State
Nicole Atkins

Saturday
Radiohead
Kings of Leon
Animal Collective
Metric
Chromeo
The Roots
The Black Angels
The Virgins
The Felice Brothers
Alberta Cross
Sia
K'Naan
Duffy
Your Vegas

Sunday
Jack Johnson
Cat Power
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Amadou & Mariam
Youssou N'Dour
Black Kids
Jason Isbell
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Rogue Wave
Neil Halstead

Cheers,
MF Blaz

New Wolf Parade Album Imminent; Live Versions of New Tracks Surface

It's been way too long since the last Wolf Parade album. Sure, member side-projects Handsome Furs, Sunset Rubdown, Johnny and the Moon and Swan Lake have all produced wicked awesome albums in the interim, but it's been some two and a half years since the band's brilliant debut album Apologies to the Queen Mary was released.

And now the wait is almost over. Dan Boeckner has confirmed that recording for the new album, speculatively titled Pardon My Blues, is all wrapped up and it's slated for release in March or April. Better yet, I managed to get my hands on live versions of tracks from said new album recorded at Wolf Parade's performance at L.A.'s El Rey theatre back in September. I've included a few below, but you can still grab the entire set here thanks to rewriteable content. And best of all, an unofficial live album of unreleased material from various other shows was made available by Snakes Got A Blog last week. Get that here.

For those seeking official releases, the band collaborated with Oakland hip-hop group Subtle on a track for their Yell & Ice album last October and it's a great stop-gap for any Wolf Parade enthusiast.

Subtle with Wolf Parade - Middle Class Haunt
Wolf Parade - Telephone (live)
Wolf Parade - Radio Song (live)

- a.m.p.m.

Hunting for Witches

I love a band with a little mystery. These past few days have seen the band Salem pop up on blog radar but no one seems to know anything about 'em. Their two websites here and here provide absolutely nothing. So it's a little mystery that serves only to make their very dark and very mysterious more haunting and mysterious. If you thought Burial was weird...

Salem - Brustreet
Salem - Sweat

Cheers,
MF Blaz