Paul Westerberg releases new single "This Machine"

There's been a bit of silence in Paul Westerberg land recently.  That's now been broken as our hero has released a new single, available for order right now.

The limited edition multi-coloured vinyl is attributed to 'Mr. F', and features the tracks "This Machine" and "Foolish Hand Shake".

In addition, if you purchase the vinyl, you'll receive a download card for another track "Grandpaboy's Last Stand".

Paul Westerberg's website

The Vaselines @ The Horseshoe (live review)

I've waited nearly 20 years to see The Vaselines.  So I was very excited when they pulled into the Horseshoe in Toronto last night to promote their first album of new material in two decades, Sex With An X.

An unnecessary fuzz hung over the sound, washing out much of the charm of the songs.  Despite that, the audience was deep into favorites like "Rory Ride Me Raw", "Monsterpussy", "Oliver Twisted", and "Sex Sux".  Of course, the Kurt Cobain troika of "Molly's Lips", "Son of a Gun", and "Jesus Don't Want Me For a Sunbeam" were massive winners, with more than a few people in the crowd singing along.

Tracks from the new album, such as "Sex With An X" and "I Hate the 80s" went over just as well as the older, classic material.  It was the relentlessly chugging encore of "Think You're a Man" that stood out as the highlight of the evening for me.

Dum Dum Girls had opened many of the shows on the current tour.  On this stop though, they were replaced by New York duo Schwervon!  The boy-girl, guitar-drum combo wasn't the blues rock that you typically get from that configuration, rather it was pretty run of the mill indie rock.

For so many years of anticipation, it may have been hard for any act to live up to what I had in mind.  Song wise, The Vaselines are still magnificent.  The sound could definitely use some cleaning up to make show these great songs off in their best possible light.

7.5/10

The Vaselines' website
The Vaselines' Myspace

Iron & Wine: new album, single details

The much beloved (and mind-numbingly dull) Iron & Wine has announced the details of his new album.  Kiss Each Other Clean will hit stores on January 25th.

Before that happens, he will be dropping a 3-song single, "Walking Far From Home", on Black Friday (November 26th).

Iron & Wine's website
Iron & Wine's Myspace

Toronto concerts announced this week: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Broken Social Scene (take two)

Here's a look at the concerts announced for Toronto over the past (very slow) week:

• The Gay Blades, Sneaky Dee's, Nov 4
• Al Tuck, The Church of the Redeemer, Nov 11
• Keys N Krates, The Guvernment, Nov 11
• Violent Kin, Rivoli, Nov 16
• Fran Healy, Mod Club, Nov 26
• Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Lee's Palace, Dec 7
• Broken Social Scene, Sound Academy, Dec 10 (2nd show)
• Alexisonfire, Sound Academy, Dec 17
• Lissie, Opera House, Jan 18
• Bon Jovi, Rogers Centre, Mar 25

Cowlick: "Wires" (album review)

Anyone tuning into Cowlick's new album Wires to get a fix of country will  be in for a shock.  Despite a hokey name, Cowlick, the latest project from former By Divine Right/Holy Fuck member Dylan Hudecki, is an eclectic experimental trip.

The title and lead track foreshadows the album's journey as it shifts from introspection to ambient noise rock to subtly catchy pop.  As the album progresses, we see that transition on a broader scale.

"Thunder Vs. Lightning" grinds and crashes.  The band gives us an ominous, steamy look at "Sex".  Kraut rock gets an update with "Can Neu Do It".  Finally the harmonica on "I Love the Way" provides that hint of country before the album closers with the haunting atmosphere of "Conflict of Interest".

The album's best and worst moments come when Cowlick incorporate hip hop and r&b into the mix.  "White Russians", featuring Lee Reed is the hip hop number.  While it teases being intoxicating at times, more often than not it is simply awkward.  The flip side is "Radio".  The track brings a deep, soulful feel to an almost No Wave arrangement.  The pairing works surprisingly well.

Being eclectic and fearless is the band's greatest strength.  It may also be the biggest weakness however.  Clocking in at a mere 8 tracks, there really isn't enough time for the various themes to be thoroughly explored.  As a result the album can come across as disjointed, with an infuriatingly choppy flow (or lack thereof).

I have to applaud the effort and the willingness to try anything and everything.  I only wish Cowlick took a little more time and fleshed it out over a longer time, giving the listener more time to get into what they are doing.

Best tracks: "Radio", "Sex"

Track listing for Wires:

• Wires
• Thunder Vs. Lightning
• Sex
• Can Neu Do It
• White Russians
• Radio
• I Love the Way
• Conflict of Interest

7.0/10

Cowlick's website

Quick Hits: Alexipharmic

Being a slacker, I humbly present you with stuff I couldn't get to this week, and beg your forgiveness:

Cr: Ryan Lewis

Alexipharmic, Good Side of Bad: Vol. 3 Summer In Nuclear Winter
This is the new extended EP from Washington hip hop artist Alexipharmic.  The smooth, intelligent raps were inspired by a month-long trip that Alexipharmic took to Kenya.  During the journey he got a firsthand look at the troubles and challenges that Kenyans face on a daily basis.

Despite seeing some difficult things, Alexipharmic manages to keep things hopeful, without pussyfooting around the issues.

Putting his money where his mouth is, half of the profits from the sale of the album will go to benefit Mercy Corps' work in the Democratic *cough, cough* Republic of Congo.

Alexipharmic's Myspace

CONTEST: Win tickets to see One eskimO in Toronto

Dreamy UK act One eskimO pulls into Toronto to play the El Mocambo on November 13th, with HUGO and Scars On 45 in tow.

I've got two pairs of passes to the show to give away to lucky readers.

Hit me up one of these ways and you could win a pair of passes:
Email
Twitter
Myspace
Facebook

One eskimO's website

Milks & Rectangles give away "Dirty Gold" EP

PEI indie quartet Milks & Rectangles have just released another batch of goodies for fans.  They are making their entire new 5-song Dirty Gold EP available for free download.

Grab it here.

If that's too much of a commitment for you, give them a trial spin with the track "Auction Block".

Milks & Rectangles' Myspace

Nitzer Ebb to release first album in 15 years (MP3)

On November 9th UK industrial veterans Nitzer Ebb will be releasing their first studio album in a decade and a half.  Industrial Complex is the group's first record since 1995's Big Hit.

On the guest front, the song "Once You Say" features backing vocals from Depeche Mode's Martin Gore.

Take a listen to the album's first track, also featured on the Saw 3-D soundtrack, "Promises".

Here's the track list for the album:

• Promises
• Once You Say
• Never Know
• Going Away From Me
• Hit You Back
• Payroll
• Down On Your Knees
• I Don't Know You
• My Door Is Open
• I'm Undone
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Traveling
• On The Road
• I Am Undone (Alan Wilder Remix)
• I Am Undone (Christopher Kah Remix)
• My Door Is Open
• Once You Say (Tom Furse Remix)

Nitzer Ebb's website

Weekend: "Sports" (album review)

Try Googling 'weekend' and 'sports' and you'll be more likely to get the results of the Vikings-Packers game than you are to get information on the debut album from San Francisco band Weekend.  They drop their new record, Sports, on November 9th.

The album betrays the band's deep-rooted infatuation with early '80s goth and shoegazer.  Inspiration is drawn (or lifted depending on your point of view and amount of cynicism) from bands like Joy Division, Jesus & Mary Chain, and My Bloody Valentine.  It doesn't take much concentration to hear the bouncy bassline of "Transmission" laying beneath a cacophony that sounds eerily similar to early Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

The album opener "Coma Summer" may be the strongest track on the record.  Opening with a driving beat, wave after wave of guitar hammer you, coming more and more quickly.  The bang and chug of "Monongah, WV" and flashy squeal of "End Times" offer up some shining moments, but they are far too outnumbered.

Not all of the original shoegazer has aged well.  As a result of their strict adherence to the old sounds, many of Weekend's songs already sound dated and dull.  "Monday Morning", for example, is absolutely mind-numbing.  The monotony felt during "Landscapes" cannot be overstated either.  On "Age Class" singer Shaun Durkan completely abandons his own voice, preferring to sing in a stereotypical detached Ian Curtis style.

Sports is a decent record, if it were from a tribute band.  Weekend do precious little to add their own spin or voice to the genre and instead seem content on rehashing and recycling Psychocandy.  In the midst of what seems to be a shoegazer revival, Weekend offer up little more than a sycophantic sacrifice.

Best tracks: "Coma Summer", "End Times"

Track listing for Sports:

• Coma Summer
• Youth Haunts
• Monday Morning
• Monongah, WV
• Landscapes
• Age Class
• Veil
• End Times
• Afterimage
• Untitled

5.0/10

3 More To Explore: A Fire With Friends, Bella Segreta, Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band

These artists may not scare you, but think about incorporating them into your Halloween anyway.

A Fire With Friends
For those who like: Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos

We don't hear a lot of music coming out of Scranton, PA.  A Fire With Friends and their intense indie rock are trying desperately to change that.

A Fire With Friends' Myspace

Bella Segreta
For those who like: Dar Williams

Our across the pond entry this week comes in the form of London, UK's Bella Segreta.  While the imagery may be gothic, the music is much more earthy.

Bella Segreta's Myspace

Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band
For those who like: Cole Porter, Charlie Parker

The unique configuration of a mother/father/daughter band, this Brooklyn-based outfit has a strong pedigree and brings a different perspective to the genre.

Dysfunctional Family Jazz Band's Myspace

The Pixies give away live show, start with Coachella '04

As far as indie rock legends go there may be none more exalted than The Pixies.  Now you can, um, exalt them even further.  The band have announced that they will be releasing a live show a week via their revamped website.

Grab the first one, from Coachella 2004, here and now:

The Pixies' website

Al Tuck to release new compilation

Veteran East Coast indie rocker, Al Tuck (of Al Tuck & No Action fame), will be releasing his first ever career retrospective compilation, All Time Favorites, next week (November 2nd).

If you didn't catch Tuck's music during the alternative explosion of the '90s, this is your chance to catch up with an artist who has been praised by the likes of Feist, Chris Murphy, Joel Plaskett, and Jason Collett.

The track list for the set looks like this:

• One Day The Warner
• Good and Ready
• Hand It To You
• Count On You
• Buddah
• Face Down On the Page
• Flora
• Beans Blues
• Eliminate Ya
• Brother From Another Mother
• That's How She Goes
• Big O' Me

Al Tuck will be touring with Jason Collett.  Southern Ontario dates include:

• Waterloo, Jane Bond Cafe, Nov 10
• Toronto, Church of the Redeemer, Nov 11
• Guelph, Dublin Street United Chruch, Nov 12
• London, Aeolian Hall, Nov 13

Al Tuck's website

Franz Nicolay: "Have Mercy" (MP3)

I'm pleased to be able to bring you the new single from a man for whom every month is Movember, that's right Franz Nicolay himself.  The new album from the former Hold Steady keyboard player, and all around renaissance man, is called Luck & Courage and is out digitally now (review).

Grab yourself the track "Have Mercy" now.

Franz Nicolay plays the El Mocambo in Toronto on November 30th opening for Stornoway.

Franz Nicolay's website

Smith Westerns to release "Dye It Blonde"

Much ballyhooed Chicago band Smith Westerns have coughed up the details of their sophomore album.  Dye It Blonde is scheduled for a January 18th release.

Check out the track list for the album:

• Weekend
• Still New
• Imagine Pt. 3
• All Die Young
• Fallen In Love
• End of the Night
• Only One
• Smile
• Dance Away
• Dye the World

Smith Westerns play the Sound Academy in Toronto November 3rd opening for Florence & the Machine.

Smith Westerns' Myspace

F&M: "Sincerely, F&M" (album review)

Husband and wife acts are a dodgy proposition.  More often than not they are overly sappy, sugar-coated, and awkward looks into relationships.  That's certainly not the case with Edmonton couple Rebecca and Ryan Anderson who perform under the name F&M.

It's not that F&M's new album Sincerely, F&M (out November 9th) is full of conflict and pain.  Rather than the uncritical all sunshine and roses that we often get, the duo's songs are back and forth, almost discussions of feelings and relationships.

On a musical level the Anderson's are an interesting pair.  Ryan is an indie rocker through and through, while Rebecca brings a classical training background to the show.  This contrast is most obvious in their vocals.  Rebecca's delivery tends to be in the dramatic chamber pop tradition, which juxtaposes beautifully with Ryan's earthy ruggedness.  That makes tracks like "Maybe Tomorrow", their cover of the theme song to the Canadian television staple The Littlest Hobo, sound akin to the best work of Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan.

The arrangements are sophisticated pop at it's finest.  The plaintive guitar stroll of "Bell's Own Desire" has a timeless quality to it.  The Rebecca-sung "Swan Song Serenade" is an elegantly crooned piano number.  "The Singer Gets It Right" boasts the gravitas of a U2 song (think "All I Want Is You"), without any of the pomp and arrogance that goes along with it.

It may not be party music, but Sincerely, F&M is a solid choice for almost any other listening occasion.

F&M play Gallery 365 in Toronto on November 25th.

Best tracks: "Victoria", "Swan Song Serenade"

Track listing for Sincerely, F&M:

• Lovely, Lovely
• I Tripped, You Smiled
• Victoria
• Fame
• Bell's Own Desire
• The Singer Gets It Right
• Swan Song Serenade
• The Bent Mast
• Maybe Tomorrow
• This Winter Revisited
• Walk To You
• A Little Love Hymn

7.5/10

F&M's website

Mogwai announce new album "Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will"

Hot off touring their live album/concert film, Scottish rockers Mogwai have announced the release of their seventh album.  The record, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, gets a North American release on February 15th.

Check out the track listing for the album:

• White Noise
• Mexican Grand Prix
• Rano Pano
• Death Rays
• San Pedro
• Letters To The Metro
• George Square Thatcher Death Party
• How To Be A Werewolf
• Too Raging To Cheers
• You're Lionel Richie

Mogwai play The Phoenix in Toronto on April 26th.

Mogwai's website

The Dears announce new album "Degeneration Street"

Montreal indie stalwarts The Dears have revealed the details of their new studio album.  Degeneration Street (sounds like a Cure record doesn't it?), will be available February 15th.  In the meantime, the group has already released the first single from the album "Omega Dog".

Let's hope this album is a little more gripping than the last.  I think I stopped listening to Missiles after about a week.

The Dears' website
The Dears' Myspace

Josh Ritter & Basia Bulat @ The Phoenix (live review)

One of my most anticipated concerts of the year pulled into The Phoenix in Toronto last night as modern troubadour Josh Ritter finally arrive in town to promote his latest rock solid album So Runs The World Away. 

The set started off slower and darker than I've heard from Ritter in the past, likely because of the nature of the new batch of songs.  It didn't take long, though, for him to transform that slow start into a thoroughly fascinating.

For the most part the new material stacked up well against the old.  Numbers like "Lantern", "The Curse", and "Folk Bloodbath" were greeted just as warmly as faithful companions "Right Moves", "Harrisburg", and the stomper "To the Dogs Or Whoever".

If Ritter was a pure folk artist it would be easy to grow tiresome of his music.  Thankfully, he's far from a mere folk artist.  Combining the blue collar ethic of Springsteen with literary references and Waitsian pain (not to mention a dash of MacGowan-esque fun), songs like "Kathleen" and "Southern Pacifica" (which garnered a Barbara Budd shout out), conveyed a depth and complexity of soul seldom found in young artists today.

Ritter's knack for melody coupled with clever lyrics that sneak up and bite you when you least expect them, kept the audience riveted, even through his intimate solo section of the show.

After a near-two hour set it was reaffirmed that Josh Ritter is a unique talent, one capable of touching the listener on many levels.  It boggles the mind that this guy hasn't received more widespread attention.

Recent Polaris Prize nominee Basia Bulat opened the show.  Her set had an inauspicious start, with vocals that could be best described as screechy.  As her set progressed (and she got louder), both performer and artist got more comfortable, culminating in a raucous rendition of "In The Night".  In the end Bulat's charm served her well.

8.5/10

Josh Ritter's website
Basia Bulat's website

Silver Swans cover The National (MP3)

You knew it was only a matter of time before people began covering The National tunes.  The San Francisco-based dream pop group are serving up their gauzy take on the High Violet track "Anyone's Ghost".

Silver Swans release their debut EP in November.

Silver Swans' Myspace

Diamond Rings: "Special Affections" (album review)

I have to 'fess up right at the outset.  I want to hate Diamond Rings.  That stupid haircut and dumb make-up is way too contrived and gimmicky.  Unfortunately for me, once I hear his new album Special Affections, I find it really really hard to dislike him.  That puts a bit of a crimp in my plans.

These tracks are heavy on the synth and heavy on the hooks.  "You & Me" is absolutely infectious.  It's big bold catchy choruses in tunes like "Give It Up" and "Pre-Owned Heart" that truly worm their way into your head.

In all cases, "On Our Own" being the most obvious example, there's a strong '80s influence that manifests itself.  Rather than merely mimic the synth pop genre though, Diamond Rings' songs are more inspired by it.  The resulting tracks sound fresh, while still serving as a tribute to what's come before.

Vocally Diamond Rings is a strange mish-mash.  Depending on the mood he's trying to create around a song he can sound dark like Ian Curtis ("It's Not My Party"), lo-fi like Julian Casablancas ("You & Me), or a Bowie that falls somewhere in between ("Play By Heart").

If you can look past the distracting and often obnoxious stage persona, there is a solid, infectious pop record here.  I wish Diamond Rings would just give his face a good wash and concentrate on the music.

Diamond Rings has a number of southern Ontario dates coming up including:

• London, Alex P. Keaton's, Oct 27
• Hamilton, This Ain't Hollywood, Oct 28
• Ottawa, Raw Sugar Cafe, Oct 29
• Kingston, The Mansion, Oct 30
• Guelph, Ebar, Nov 1

Best tracks: "Give It Up", "Pre-Owned Heart"

Track listing for Special Affections:

• Play By Heart
• Wait & See
• On Our Own
• You & Me
• Give It Up
• Pre-Owned Heart
• Something Else
• You Oughta Know
• It's Not My Party 
• All Yr Songs

8.0/10

Diamond Rings' Myspace

Tapes N' Tapes unveil "Outside" album details

Minneapolis indie rockers Tapes N' Tapes have announced the details of their highly-anticipated (by me anyway) third studio album.  Outside will hit stores on January 11th.

You can hear the first single "Freak Out" on Pitchfork here.

Here's the track list for the album:

• Badaboom
• SWM
• One in the World
• Nightfall
• Desert Plane
• Outro
• Freak Out
• The Saddest of All Keys
• Hidee Ho
• People You Know
• On and On
• Mighty Long

Tapes N' Tapes' website
Tapes N' Tapes' Myspace

Cage The Elephant announce release of "Thank You, Happy Birthday"

Hard rocking buzz band Cage The Elephant have announced the release of their sophomore album.  The record, Thank You, Happy Birthday, will be released on January 11th.

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

• Always Something 
• Aberdeen
• Indy Kidz
• Shake Me Down
• 2024
• Sell Yourself
• Rubber Ball
• Right Before My Eyes
• Tangled
• Sabertooth Tiger
• Japanese Buffalo
• Flow
• Shiver

Cage The Elephant's website
Cage The Elephant's Myspace

Crystal Castles to release new single with Robert Smith

Toronto post-everything duo Crystal Castles have announced that they will be teaming up with an honest to goodness music legend for their next single.  "Not In Love", which comes out December 6th, will see the group joined by The Cure's Robert Smith.

While you wait, enjoy Crystal Castles' "Baptism":


Crystal Castles play the Sound Academy in Toronto on April 2nd.

Crystal Castles' Myspace

Lykke Li gives away new single "Get Some"

Swedish indie pop sensation Lykke Li has just released a new single.  You can get the rumbling "Get Some" and its b-side "Paris Blue" for free download from her website.

The tracks are the precursor to Li's highly-anticipated sophomore album, which should see the light of day in early 2011.

Lykke Li's website
Lykke Li's Myspace

Black Dub: "Black Dub" (album review)

When mega-producer Daniel Lanois gets on a roll, he really gets on a roll.  Hot off the heels of a highly acclaimed album from Neil Young (everywhere but this blog), Lanois returns with his own project Black Dub (out November 2nd).

This album sees Lanois team up again with bassist Daryl Johnson and drummer Brian Blade.  New to the equation are the vocals of Trixie Whitley.

Kicking off with the dark, menacing rumble of "Love Lives", Black Dub weaves its way through moody styles.  "Last Time" is funk-infused with a grungy guitar line.  The blues serve as the basis for "Surely", while "Nomad" is boasts smooth r&b flow.  Everyone's souls are lifted with the spiritual rejoice of "Canaan".

Lanois' work with expansive sonics comes into play as well.  "Ring the Alarm" combines gritty vocals with a near frenzied orchestral.  His own guitar solo on "Slow Baby" whisks you away, with a Santana-esque aura to it.

What the album really serves to do though is introduce music fans to the impressive pipes of Whitley.  The daughter of the late Chris Whitley, Trixie sets herself apart with deep, confident, powerful vocals that provide the wrenching emotion for this album.

In the end Lanois gives us a strong album top to bottom.  What may prove to be more important in the long run though is his introduction of one of the most vibrant voices to come along in some time.

Best tracks: "Sing", "Canaan"

Track listing for Black Dub:

• Love Lives
• I Believe In You
• Ring the Alarm
• Last Time
• Surely
• Nomad
• Slow Baby
• Silverado
• Canaan
• Sing
• Sirens

8.0/10

Black Dub's website