The Mizfit Collective: "Merry Mufuckin Christmas"

The Mizfit Collective are a Toronto-based hip hop/pop outfit.  They've released a Christmas album, Merry Mufuckin Christmas.

Despite it's abrasive title, the record is a shockingly straight-up set of Christmas tunes, though the hip hop does seep in.  I'm particularly fond of the wonky rendition of "You're a Mean One, Mrs. Grinch".

Listen to it here:

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: "Live From KCRW" (album review)

There are many factors that influence whether a live album is successful or not.  One of the most important is the source material.  If the artist doesn't have the songs, then there's almost no way that the resulting live record will be any good.

We certainly don't need to worry about that when it comes to Nick Cave and the rich catalogue he had to draw upon for his new live document: Live From KCRW.

The album, recorded in front of a small audience at the KCRW studios, obviously spotlights songs from his latest opus Push The Sky Away, but it also includes a few favorites and rarely performed numbers from his vast repertoire.

Various Artists: "Christmas Candy: the 2013 Zunior Holiday Album" (album review)

Each year Toronto-based digital music retailer Zunior releases a holiday album featuring artists who are available on their website.  Past themes have included covering The Ventures' Christmas record, and a cute Peanuts Christmas album.

This year, the label has gone in a completely different direction, featuring new original holiday tunes.

Many of the songs display a slightly askew sense of humour, which makes labeling these tunes as 'non-traditional' is a bit of an understatement.  Particularly sharp-witted is The Burning Hell's entry "Eight Days and Eight Nights".

Drive-By Truckers announce new album "English Oceans"

Incomparable indie Southern Rock outfit Drive-By Truckers are returning with a new studio album.  The record, English Oceans, has been given a March 4th street date.

Here's the track list for the album:

• Shit Shots Count
• When He's Gone 
• Primer Coat 
• Pauline Hawkins 
• Made Up English Oceans 
• The Part of Him 
• Hearing Jimmy Loud 
• Til He's Dead or Rises 
• Hanging On 
• Natural Light 
• When Walter Went Crazy 
• First Air of Autumn 
• Grand Canyon

Trust: details of sophomore album

Dark Toronto synth project Trust have announced their new album.  Joyland, the follow-up to the Juno-nominated TRST, will be released on March 4th.

Watch the trailer for the record here:

Mutual Benefit: "Love's Crushing Diamond" (album review)

Mutual Benefit is the stage name of nomadic (now Brooklyn resident) Jordan Lee.  His album, Love's Crushing Diamond, hit stores today.

The album only checks in at 7-songs, but it packs a lot of lush melody and vital sound into those precious few tracks.

The tone for the record is set right away with "Strong River".  The arrangement washes over you for a good two minutes before any hint of vocals kicks in.

New releases for Dec 3rd: Glen Hansard

There's not a lot of new release action this week (and it'll stay that way for the next 6 weeks or so), but you can get new material from:

• AAA Battery
• Black Flag
• Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (live)
• Glen Hansard
• STACEY
• Sumie- Review

Kate Nash releases Christmas EP

Sharp-tongued British singer Kate Nash has a new Christmas EP.  The 5-track set, recorded with The Tuts, includes both original songs and traditional favorites.

Listen to the entire thing here:

Sleepy Mean: "Transpondering" EP

Combining sharp indie rock angles with a mesmerizing laid-back delivery, Toronto's Sleepy Mean recently released their debut EP, Transpondering.  The record's available on a name-your-price basis from their Bandcamp page.

Listen to the EP here:

Hidden Cameras announce new album, watch "Gay Goth Scene" video

Toronto's The Hidden Cameras have announced that they will drop a new record early in the new year.  Age will come out on January 21st.

Watch the video for "Gay Goth Scene" here: