Best albums of 2013...so far

With June drawing to a close soon (and me away on vacation), what better time is there to look back on the albums that I've liked the most thus far this year.

So I present you with my top 20 album of 2013 so far:
20 Eddie Spaghetti The Value of Nothing
19 Jadea Kelly Clover
18 Royal Canoe Today We're Believers
17 The Abramson Singers Later Riser
16 Dropkick Murphys Signed and Sealed in Blood 
15 The National Trouble Will Find Me 
14 Beams Just Rivers 
13 Wildlife …On the Heart 
12 eels Wonderful, Glorious

From A Fountain: "Halo"

From A Fountain will release his/their sophomore album on August 20th.  Milky Mile is the first of two albums from him planned for release in 2013.

Listen to "Halo" here:

Dave Nugent (Sam Roberts Band) announces new album

Stepping out from the Sam Roberts Band, at least briefly, guitarist Dave Nugent has assumed the moniker The Last Sun for the release of his debut 4-song EP on June 25th.

Listen to "Such A Fan" here:

I can't wait to hear him play "Cat Scratch Fever".

Daniel Romano "Pinball Sessions"

Daniel Romano has recorded four new tracks for Pinball Sessions, a relaxed 'live-off-the-floor' project out of Guelph.

Download or stream it here.

Others in the series include John K. Samson, The Magic, and more.

The Zolas: "Strange Girl" (video)

The Zolas have a new video.  It's for the track "Strange Girl" from the Vancouver group's 2012 album Ancient Mars.

Watch it here:

New releases for Jun 18th: Austra, Sigur Ros, Primal Scream

It's a nice little week for new music.  There are some big names, and some names that deserve to be bigger.
Enjoy one or more of these:

• Austra
• Beach Day
• Empire of the Sun
• Falling In Reverse
• Hooded Fang
• Primal Scream- Review
• Royal Trux
• Said The Whale
• Shouting Matches

This week in Toronto concerts: Alabama Shakes, The Heavy, Willie Nelson, Jazz Fest

Even though we're in the traditional post-NXNE lull, there are a ton of notable shows going on.  UK neo-The Heavy, the much-buzzed about Alabama Shakes, and the legendary Willie Nelson are all worth checking out.  The Jazz Fest kicks off on the weekend as well, with Mavis Staples and Sharon Jones among the notables.
soul outfit

Some folks (not me) will also be excited about a couple of shows from Rufus Wainwright.

...also this week:

Toronto concerts announced this week: The Replacements, Queens Of The Stone Age, Okkervil River

Well the big concert announcement this week is undoubtedly that The Replacements will be reuniting for Riot Fest at Fort York on Aug. 25th.  Oh yeah, some start-up calling themselves  Iggy & The Stooges are on that bill too.

Here's a look at what else was announced:

Playlist Of The Week: NXNE #2

With NXNE in full swing now, it's time for the second playlist of performing artists.  You can catch each of these acts somewhere in town tonight.

Listen here.

Shad & Skratch Bastid: "The Spring EP"

Toronto rapper Shad has teamed up with DJ Skratch Bastid for a new EP.  The Spring EP also includes an appearance by Cadence Weapon, and a co-production credit for DJ Jazzy Jeff of all people.

Listen to it here:

The third annual Bastid's BBQ takes place tomorrow at the Steam Whistle Roundhouse.