El Perro Del Mar covers The xx (video)

There's more El Perro Del Mar material for you.  Check out this live footage of her covering The xx's "Shelter" from her show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn:


I had the chance to speak with El Perro Del Mar before her concert in Toronto last weekend.  If you haven't had a chance to read the interview you can catch it here.

El Perro Del Mar's website
El Perro Del Mar's Myspace

Archeology: "Memorial" (album review)

In their brief existence Jason Davis and Daniel Walker, collectively Archeology, have released no fewer than five EPs.  On March 16th the Portland, OR duo will put out their debut full length album Memorial.

From a musical perspective the album is stunningly crafted.  Minimalist folk roots and vocal harmonies that rival Fleet Foxes permeate the record.  The quality of the work grows more and more apparent the more times you listen to it, until songs like the triumphant "White Walls" become irresistible.

Davis and Walker met while on an archeological dig in Washington state.  They both shared a love of music and as sons of preachers they hit it off.  Unfortunately, that's where the biggest weakness of Memorial comes in.  The influence of their religious upbringing is all over the record.  The references and imagery can be a beautiful and poetic thing.  Too often though, like on "Altar Song" and "Hunter", they seem preoccupied with railing against their upbringings.

If one can get passed the Christian themes and concentrate on the music alone, Memorial is a beautiful record.  I'm not capable of doing it for the course of the entire album though.  The record would have been much stronger and more effective in the long run if Archeology toned it down and could focus on more subjects than their dislike for their claustrophobic youths.

Best tracks: "White Walls", "San Salvador"

Track listing for Memorial:

• Memorial
• By the By
• Hunter
• Wooden Ships
• Altar Song
• White Walls
• San Salvador
• Violette
• Old Crow
• Laurelwood

6.0/10

Archeology's Myspace

CMW Preview: Chasing Jones (interview)

Edmonton's Chasing Jones don't get caught up in trends and fads.  They play solid modern rock and are unapologetic about it.  Their new album, Stay Tonight, was released this past week.

I had a chance to ask the band a few questions about their music and CMW.  Here's what they had to say:

T.O. Snob: What can people expect to see at a Chasing Jones show?

For those that have yet to see us, they can expect a tight musical and high energy performance by a crew of good looking and well dressed guys.

T.O. Snob: What inspires a Chasing Jones song?

I would say that our own personal life experiences are what inspire a Chasing Jones song the most, that and the ladies.

T.O. Snob: Your new album Stay Tonight has just been released. How did the writing and recording process differ from the first EP?

Well the first EP was mostly written by Nick with the help of Adam and Blair while I wasn’t even in the band. Also it was the bands first experience in the studio. On the new album we wrote all the music together and recording went a lot faster and smoother as we were all more experienced and confident.

T.O. Snob: Some artists obviously place an emphasis on lyrics, some on melody or a good riff. What’s the most important element of a song to you?

The most important part of a song to me is not that one element is better than another but that all those different elements complement each other to create a great song and I think you can really see that come through on the new album.

T.O. Snob: What does a festival like CMW mean to up-and-coming bands? What do you hope to get out of the experience?

CMW is a really big deal to the band. We’ve never played a festival of its size let alone play outside of Alberta. Our main goal is to show everyone that we are a dedicated band that is ready to take our music to the next level. We also want to make as many contacts as we can.

T.O. Snob: Are there any band’s you’re looking forward to seeing at the festival?

I myself am a huge fan of OLP and The Arkells and if I could watch The Trews play as well then nothing could wipe the huge grin off my face.

T.O. Snob: If someone were to look at your CD collection (or iPod playlist) what would they find that would surprise them?

Well I’ve got stuff like Strapping Young Lad and Opeth to Bassnectar and Mr. Oizo to Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck. My collection is very eclectic.

T.O. Snob: You guys are from Edmonton. How could the Oilers be even worse than the Leafs? I mean really?

How can you be surprised? I mean really?

T.O. Snob: Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us.

Check out the video for "Anniversary" here:


CMW performance:
Date: Mar 11th
Time: 1:00am
Venue: Bread & Circus

Chasing Jones' website

Toronto concerts announced this week: Public Image Ltd, Massive Attack

Here are some of the concerts announced for Toronto this week:

• Calvin Harris, Sound Academy, Mar 20
• Young Doctors In Love, Rancho Relaxo, Mar 27
• Daniel, Fred & Julie, Horseshoe Tavern, Apr 15
• Emilie-Claire Barlow, Glenn Gould Studio, Apr 15
• Red Sparowes, The Garrison, Apr 17
• 30 Seconds To Mars, Sound Academy, Apr 18
• Honor Society, Opera House, Apr 20
• Dead Meadow, Lee's Palace, Apr 22
• Echo & the Bunnymen, The Phoenix, Apr 23
• Public Image Ltd, Kool Haus, May 6
• Massive Attack, Sound Academy, May 7
• Porcupine Tree, Sound Academy, May 8
• Massive Attack, Sound Academy, May 9
• John Hiatt, Massey Hall, Jun 29

Minus The Bear to drop "Omni"

Seattle's Minus The Bear have announced the release of their new studio album.  Omni is the band's fourth record and first on Dangerbird Records.  The album will be out what's going to be a very crowded May 4th.

We'll bring you more details as we get them.

Minus The Bear's website
Minus The Bear's Myspace

Introducing: Q*Ball

Thanks to acts like LCD Soundsystem, electronic rock has taken off in recent years.

One of the musicians that seems poised to take up the torch is Brooklyn's Q*Ball.  He recently released his third studio album, featuring and co-produced by Guns N' Roses guitarist Bumblefoot,

Check out the rocking "John Hughes" on his Myspace page.

Q*Ball's website
Q*Ball's Myspace

The Secret History: "The World That Never Was" (album review)

The World That Never Was is the forthcoming debut album from New York indie pop group The Secret History.  The band is build around Michael Grace, Jr from the band My Favorite, and a pair of singers, Erin Dermody and Lisa Ronson (the latter the daughter of long-time Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson).  The album hits stores on March 22nd.

It would be easy to talk about the keyboards and the occasional string arrangement that show up on the record, but that would just be wasting your time and mine.  There's one thing, and one thing only that matters on this album, and that's the hooks.

The Secret History show a deft ability to pen catchy pop songs.  Tunes like "Johnny Nightmare" and "Death Mods" are not at all out of place alongside the most melodic of today's indie rock favorites.  The stellar "God Save The Runaways" goes even further, cementing itself a place on my iPod with a chorus that is instantly singable.

Ronson proves to have a strong set of pipes.  Even better though are the instances when she and Darmody harmonize.  It's that sound that makes the twee-leaning "Love Theme (from the World That Never Was)" a sleeper gem.

When The Secret History brings the tempo down however, they go from an outstanding band to almost run-of-the-mill.  With the exception of the wrenching and elegant "Count Backwards (Rock N' Roll Never Dies)" with it's reference to "Bela Lugosi's Dead", the slower paced songs lack that certain something to make them memorable.  As a result they are ho-hum.

Sure there are a few missteps and lulls over the course of The World That Never Was.  But there are more than a few earworms lurking about on this record.

Best tracks: "Johnny Nightmare", "God Save The Runaways"

Track listing for The World That Never Was:

• Johnny Anorak
• Our Lady of Stalingrad
• God Save The Runaways
• Love Theme (from the World That Never Was)
• Death Mods
• Our Lady of Palermo
• My Life With the Living Dead
• Sex With Ghosts
• Johnny Nightmare
• Sister Rose
• Count Backwards (Rock N' Roll Never Dies)
• How I Spent My Life

7.5/10

The Secret History's website
The Secret History's Myspace

CMW Preview: And So I Watch You From Afar

Belfast's And So I Watch You From Afar released their debut full length album last year.  Check out their track "The Voiceless".  This instrumental will blow you away.

I had a chance to ask the band a few questions before they make it to our shores.  Here's the witty repartee:

T.O. Snob: First off, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us.

Not a problem, thanks for speaking to us! You’ll regret it, since we don’t sing we like to talk. A lot.

T.O. Snob: You’re playing The Hideout in Toronto on March 11th as part of Canadian Music Week. I believe this is your first time playing Toronto. What can people expect from your show?

Four Irish guys that enjoy hurtling themselves around, bumping into things and each other and making one hell of a racket. We like to punish ourselves for you guys.

T.O. Snob: What inspires a ASIWYFA song?

The want and need to write good music I guess. To enable us to go nuts!

T.O. Snob: To me writing instrumental songs seems like a difficult thing to do. How do you approach it to make sure it stays interesting to the listener?

We can be quite Stalin-esque and brutal towards songs, one day a song is finished the next we decide it simply isn’t up to scratch and go back and brutalise it, rip it apart and start afresh. We try not to lock onto one riff or passage for too long. Keep things frantically changing.

T.O. Snob: North Americans are obsessed with all things Irish. When you see that stuff, like Canadian guys running around with Celtic cross tattoos or women with claddagh, do you feel flattered or upset?

Ha its nice I guess, they’re gonna go wild for me and Johnny our bassist, genuine Irish Redheads! Well, I hope you go wild…

T.O. Snob: What does a festival like CMW mean to up-and-coming bands? What do you hope to get out of the experience?

Number one is that we’re getting to play in a new place to new people, that’s always number one for me. Hopefully we make some new friends and listeners, we’ve never been to Canada so we can’t wait to play for you guys.

T.O. Snob: Are there any band’s you’re looking forward to seeing at the festival?

Our good buddies from Ireland Adebisi Shank are playing too! I URGE YOU TO SEE THESE GUYS! Also A Trak as you cant beat some beats (that is the single worst play on words in history, I apologise) and I really wanna see Dan Mangan, heard him a few years ago and have been keen to see him live since.

T.O. Snob: If someone were to look at your CD collection (or iPod playlist) what would they find that would surprise them?

I think Hotshot by Shaggy may stand out a little…

T.O. Snob: Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us.

No problem, thank you for paying attention to my drivel!

CMW performance:
Date: Mar 11th
Time: 1:00am
Venue: The Hideout

And So I Watch You From Afar's Myspace

Quick Hits: Midwest Dilemma

Here's our weekly clearing of the desktop with things we couldn't get to properly this week:

Midwest Dilemma, Timelines and Tragedies
If you wondered what an indie folk/roots act would sound like if it had upwards of twenty members, wonder no more.  Omaha, NE's Midwest Dilemma is the brainchild of Justin Lamoureux.  The band adds novels twists, like the inclusion of tuba and saw players, to what can often be a bland genre.

In fact, the band could easily inspire it's own drinking game: take a shot every time you hear a new instrument.


Midwest Dilemma's Myspace

Drive-By Truckers: "Birthday Boy" (MP3)

I don't know about you, but I'm really excited about The Big To-Do, the new album from Drive-By Truckers (out March 16th).  The band is making it easy to get excited too with a second song now available for download.

Grab "Birthday Boy" below, and stream the clean version of "Working This Job" while you're at it:

Drive-By Truckers play Lee's Palace in Toronto on April 6th & 7th.

Drive-By Truckers' website
Drive-By Truckers' Myspace

Bonnie "Prince" Billy shares "The Wonder Show of the World" outtake (MP3)

Celebrated indie artist Bonnie "Prince" Billy is releasing his new album, The Wonder Show of the World, on March 23rd.  To wet your appetite he's making a track that didn't make the cut available as a free download.

Take a listen to "Play, Guitar, Play" and see what you think.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy's website
Bonnie "Prince" Billy's Myspace

Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Rival Schools): "Arthur Lee's Lullaby" (video)

While Walter Schreifels has been best known for his heavier output with hardcore acts like Quicksand (a tragically overlooked band) and Rival Schools, he's taking a different tact on his forthcoming album An Open Letter To the Schene (out May 4th).  On the album he shows a much less bombastic side.

Check it out for yourself with the video for the first cut "Arthur Lee's Lullaby":

Shane MacGowan and friends charity single: "I Put a Spell On You" (video)

We've been buzzing about this for a while but now we finally get to hear it.

Shane MacGowan has pulled together an uber-hip line-up of friends to record a cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell On You" as a benefit for Haiti.  Joining The Pogues frontman are Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde, Johnny Depp (?), Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream, The Clash's Mick Jones, UK soul singer Paloma Faith, and Sex Pistols Glen Matlock.

Check out the video here:


The single gets released March 7th.  Proceeds go to Dublin-based charity Concern Worldwide, who have a long history of providing services in Haiti.

Concern Worldwide's website

DEVO: help them pick a colour

Ah DEVO, you never cease to entertain us.  With a new album dropping this year, DEVO have decided to take a modern advertising strategy in the marketing campaign.

The band are asking fans to participate in a Colour Study to help the band choose an appropriate colour.  Give the band your opinion by taking a quick online survey here.

The band have also been holding "focus groups" on the colour choice.  You can watch the first "focus group" video here:


You can stream the new track "Fresh" at the band's website.  This is one of several tracks the band will be "testing" with audiences before being added to the forthcoming record.

DEVO's website

The Greatcoats: "The Greatcoats" (album review)

Debut albums can be a very difficult thing for a band.  It's quite literally your only opportunity to make a good first impression.  The first impression one gets when listen to the self-titled debut album from the Austin, TX-based The Greatcoats is one of unevenness (out March 9th).

The band's sound is based in rock, country, and roots music traditions.  When they are at their very best, like on the catchy "Stop", they bear a striking resemblance to indie pop favorite Ben Kweller.  Songs like "All Over", "Face", and "My Dear" boast strong hooks with just the right hint of twang.

While those tracks are good highs, there are too many lows on the album.  The record opens with "Birdsong", a track built around a multi-part vocal harmony.  It's a nice idea, but the execution is a bit too lax for it to succeed.  The lead/backing vocal interplay on "Come Up and See" is awkward to the point of being nails-on-a-chalkboard grating at times.

The slower songs miss the marks as well.  "In England" and "Slow Me Down" aren't terrible.  They just lack a distinguishing element, making them fade into the background.

The Greatcoats isn't a terrible debut, but it could have been so much better.

Best tracks: "Face", "Stop"

Track listing for The Greatcoats:

• Birdsong
• Come Up and See
• In England
• All Over
• Slow Me Down
• Face
• The One In the Sun
• My Dear
• Lady Lampshade
• Stop
• The Scarce Few

5.0/10

The Greatcoats' website

CMW Preview: The Sheepdogs

Saskatoon's The Sheepdogs release their new album Learn & Burn this week.  The band rocks hard, with heavy southern and classic rock influences.

I've never seen them live, but if they sound like they do on tape they will blow the doors off.

Check out the track "I Don't Know" for a glimpse.

CMW Performance:
Date: Mar 11th
Time: 12:00am
Venue: Central

The Sheepdogs' Myspace

3 More To Explore: El May, AM Taxi, April Smith

Here are three more artists you should consider giving some time to this weekend:

El May
For those who like: Jill Sobule, Ben Lee

The Aussie-transplant May has spent years collaborating with others on their music.  Now she has stepped out with a simple pop album of her own.

El May's Myspace

AM Taxi
For those who like: Gaslight Anthem, Against Me!

Okay, I thought punk rock with hooks was dead.  These guys help prove me wrong.  They play Toronto when the Warped Tour trundles into town July 9th.

AM Taxi's Myspace

April Smith and the Great Picture Show
For those who like: Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits

Combining folk and dramatic cabaret, Smith is a throwback to a different era in showbiz.

April Smith's Myspace

Phosphorescent to say "Here's To Taking It Easy" on new album

Brooklyn's Phosphorescent are following up their 2009 Willie Nelson cover album with a record of new material.  The album, Here's To Taking It Easy, has been scheduled to come out on May 11th.

Here's the track list for the new album:

• It's Hard to Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)
• Nothing Was Stolen (Love Me Foolishly)
• We'll Be Here Soon
• The Mermaid Parade
• I Don't Care if There's Cursing
• Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough)
• Hej, Me I'm Light
• Heaven, Sittin' Down
• Los Angeles

Phosphorescent's Myspace

Xavier Rudd gives away "Love Comes and Goes" from forthcoming album

This one is especially for my sister-in-law...

Aussie World Music artist Xavier Rudd has announced the release of his new album.  Koonyum Sun will be available on April 20th.

For the low low price of your email address you can get a download of the new track "Love Comes and Goes" here.

It also looks like Rudd will be embarking on a Canadian tour in support of the album in the near future as well.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Xavier Rudd's website
Xavier Rudd's Myspace

The Runaways: watch the movie trailer

The biopic about The Runaways, cleverly titled The Runaways, hits theatres on March 19th.  The band that introduced us to Joan Jett, Cherie Curie, and Lita Ford should get a realistic portrayal thanks to Jett's deep involvement in the project.

You can get a preview by taking a look at the trailer:

Keane new album to feature K'Naan

British pop rockers Keane have announce the release of their fourth studio album.  Night Train will see the light of day on May 11th.

The really interesting news is that the album will include "Stop for a Minute" and "Looking Back", both of which feature Canadian hip hopper K'Naan.

Keane's website
Keane's Myspace

Born Ruffians announce "Say It" details

Toronto's Born Ruffians have announced the details of their sophomore album Say It.  The record will hit the streets June 1st.

Here's the track list for the album:

• Oh Man
• Retard Canard
• Sole Brother
• What To Say
• The Ballad Of Moose Bruce
• Higher & Higher
• Come Back
• Nova Leigh
• Blood, The Sun & Water
• At Home Now

Judging strictly by the song titles, "Retard Canard" sounds like it has the best chance of being the next "Hummingbird".

Born Ruffians play The Phoenix in Toronto on March 14th as part of Canadian Music Week.

Born Ruffians' website
Born Ruffians' Myspace

GBH announce new album

You kids who think that wearing eyeliner makes you punk need to get ready to have the mascara blown off your faces.  Iconic UK punk band GBH have announced the release of their new studio album.  Their new record, Perfume and Piss, will hit the streets April 6th.

You can check out the band's new single, "Kids Get Down" on their Myspace page.

Here's the track list for the album:

• Unique
• Kids Get Down
• Perfume And Piss
• Cadillac One 
• San Jose Wind 
• Dead Man Walking 
• Invisible
• This Is Not The Real World 
• Polytoxic
• Ballads
• Power Corrupts 
• Going Sideways 
• Time Flies 

GBH`s Myspace

CMW Preview: The Dudes

Calgary four-piece The Dudes don't do anything fancy.  Their blue collar rock is gritty with a great sense of humour.  The makes for what rock n' roll really should be: an assload of fun.

Check out the video for the killer "Girl Police":

CMW performance:

Date: Mar. 12

Time: 9:20pm

Venue: The Horseshoe Tavern

The Dudes' website

The Dudes' Myspace

Zeus: "Say Us" (album review)

For years the guys in Zeus worked away as the backing band for Jason Collett.  Now with their debut album Say Us, the group is poised to take some of the spotlight for themselves.

Most of what Zeus does can be described as competent.  They are quite capable players, the vocals are decent but not exceptional.  The lyrics are okay, and in fact may be goofy or nonsensical from time to time.  The songs themselves aren't even that original, leaning heavily on Beatles and Kinks influences.

None of that really matter though.  That's because Zeus can pen a catchy song with the best of them.  When the melodies are this good and the hooks this bold, a lot can be forgiven.  Songs like the rocking n' rolling "Marching Through Your Head" will grab a hold of your brain and refuse to let go.

Say Us may not be an artistic or groundbreaking masterpiece, but it will be the kind of album you reach for over and over again, whatever your mood may be.

Zeus play Lee's Palace on March 10th with Jason Collett as part of Canadian Music Week.


Best tracks: "I Know", "Marching Through Your Head"

Track listing for Say Us:

• How Does It Feel
• Fever of the Time
• Kindergarten
• The Renegade
• Greater Times on the Wayside
• The River By the Garden
• You Gotta Teller
• I Know
• Marching Through Your Head
• The Sound of You
• Heavy On Me
• At the Risk of Repeating

8.0/10

Zeus' Myspace

The White Stripes concert movie Canadian previews

The White Stripes big boxset bases around their tour of every Canadian province and territory, The White Stripes Under the Great White Northern Lights, gets it's official release on March 16th.  We're lucky to get early Canadian screenings which include:

• TORONTO, Ontario, Feb 26 – The Royal Theatre @ 9:15pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Feb 27 – The Royal Theatre @ 9:15pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Feb 28 – The Royal Theatre @ 4:30pm and 7:00pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Mar 1 – The Royal Theatre @ 7:00pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Mar 2 – The Royal Theatre @ 9:30pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Mar 3 – The Royal Theatre @ 9:00pm
• TORONTO, Ontario, Mar 4 – The Royal Theatre @ 7:00pm
• SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Mar 4 – Cape Breton Island Film Series and East Coast Music Awards at Empire Theatre at 9:30 pm
• OTTAWA, Ontario, Mar 10 – Mayfair Theatre @ 9:00pm
• OTTAWA, Ontario, Mar 11 – Mayfair Theatre @ 9:00pm
• EDMONTON, Alberta, Mar 12 – Metro Cinema in the Citadel Theatre @ 9:00pm
• EDMONTON, Alberta, Mar 13 – Metro Cinema in the Citadel Theatre @ 9:30pm
• EDMONTON, Alberta, Mar 14 – Metro Cinema in the Citadel Theatre @ 9:00pm
• SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Mar 14 – Broadway Cinema @ 7:00pm

Our favorite honourary Canadian city, Minneapolis, MN also gets a couple of preview screenings.

The White Stripes' website

Get on the guest list for The xx's Toronto after party/DJ set

AUX TV have teamed with buzz band The xx to host a private after party and DJ set at The Garrison following the group's April 4th Toronto show.

The only way to get on the guest list is to become a fan of AUX TV on Facebook.  Conveniently, you can do that right here.

Needless to say, space is limited.

AUX TV's website
The xx's website

Punk Goes Classic Rock track list announced

With a couple of successful Punk Goes Pop albums in their back pocket, Fearless Records has announced a similar endeavour with the release of Punk Goes Classic Rock (out April 27th).

The concept of covering classic rock songs should be more successful in sound than its pop predecessors, which were a hit and miss proposition at best.  On top of that the track list is incredibly strong, although "classic rock" in my book doesn't include Ozzy or Def Leppard.

Here's a look at the artists and tracks for the album:

• Hit The Lights- "More Than A Feeling" (originally recorded by Boston)
• Versa Emerge- "Paint It Black" (originally recorded by The Rolling Stones)
• The Almost- "Free Fallin'" (originally recorded by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
• Mayday Parade- "We Are The Champions" (originally recorded by Queen)
• The Summer Set- "Rock 'n Roll All Nite" (originally recorded by KISS)
• We The Kings- "Caught Up In You" (originally recorded by .38 Special)
• A Skylit Drive- "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" (originally recorded by Journey)
• I See Stars- "Your Love" (originally recorded by The Outfield)
• Pierce The Veil- "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (originally recorded by Blue Oyster Cult)
• Forever The Sickest Kids- "Crazy Train" (originally recorded by Ozzy Osbourne)
• The Maine- "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (originally recorded by Def Leppard)
• Envy On The Coast- "All Along The Watchtower" (originally recorded by Bob Dylan)
• Every Avenue- "Take Me Home Tonight" (originally recorded by Eddie Money)
• Never Shout Never- "Bohemian Rhapsody" (originally recorded by Queen)
• blessthefall- "Dream On" (originally recorded by Aerosmith)

Punk Goes Classic Rock's Myspace

Deer Tick announce new album "The Black Dirt Sessions"

Nobody can accuse John McCauley and the rest of Deer Tick of resting on their laurels.  The band have just announced the release of their new album, The Black Dirt Sessions.  The record, out June 8th, will be the third full length from the band in the last four years.

Here's a look at the track listing for the album:

• Choir of Angels
• Twenty Miles
• Goodbye, Dear Friend
• Piece By Piece, Frame By Frame
• Sad Sun
• Mange
• When She Comes Home
• Hand In My Hand
• I Will Not Be Myself
• Blood Moon
• Christ Jesus

Deer Tick play the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on April 6th with Those Darlins.

Deer Tick's website
Deer Tick's Myspace