The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble ft. Emika "Pretend" (new/old track)

On October 25th The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble will release Mr. Machine via !K7. The German trio has added a classical ten piece ensemble to their electronic sound. The latest track they've released is a reinterpretation of Emika's (Ninja Tune) "Pretend". Catch them on tour soon and check out the new track below.
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble feat. Emika- Pretend by !K7 Records

Upcoming Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble Tour Dates 10/24 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center 10/25 – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle 10/26 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Hotel 10/27 - Brooklyn, NY – Glasslands 10/28 - Washington, DC - The Red Palace 10/29 – Asheville, NC – MoogFest 10/30 - Atlanta, GA – 529 10/31 - Orlando, FL – Plaza Live 11/01 - Tallahassee, FL - Club Down Under/FSU 11/03 - Dallas, TX - The Prophet Bar 11/05 – Austin, TX – Fun Fun Fun Fest 11/09 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar 11/11 - San Francisco, CA - The Rickshaw Stop 11/12 - Los Angeles, CA - Luckman Fine Arts Complex

Gem Club "Twins" (video)

Gem Club, currently based in Massachusetts, have recently released their debut full length Breakers via Hardly Art. The video, which premiered on NPR, is labelled NSFW but if you actually work somewhere where watching this would get you in trouble then you should seriously consider going elsewhere cause this video is art (and I'm not talking the American-Apparel-gratuitously-sexy-border-line-pedophillia-vaguely-guised-as-art kind either). The song is spacious and gorgeous and the mysteriously lit dancers movement is perfect. I'm not one for interpretive dance but... "Twins" is a great new track from a talented group. If you can't watch the video at your oppressive, soul-crushing place of employment then find another way to listen to it. Now get back to work.

Mr. Gnome "Ate the Sun" (new track)

Cleveland duo Mr. Gnome are set to release their latest album Madness in Miniature on October 25th via El Marko Records. The tour in support of the new material kicks off next week so, to get you amped, they've released another single "Ate the Sun" from the upcoming release. The song is huge, the band is rocking, and the album is more of the Mr. Gnome we love. CD and vinyl and digital pre-orders are available now. Check out the track below and download from the bands website.
Ate the Sun by mrgnome

Ganglians "Bradley" (new video)

Ganglians recently dropped their third LP Still Living via Lefse Records/Souterrain Transmissions. The new album is a step up from the last while maintaining their  psych-pop roots. The album is drenched in sweet vocal harmonies and summery melodies over toe tapping beats. Check out their latest offering in the reverie that is "Bradley" (above).

Twin Sister "Kimmi in a Rice Field" (video)

Twin Sister's debut full length In Heaven dropped this week via Domino Records. The track "Kimmi in a Rice Field" is based on a ghost story written by singer Andrea Estella. The video was co-directed by drummer Bryan Ujueta and past video collaborator Dan Devine. A remix competition is also on for the track in cooperation with Juno Download. The winner will have their track released by Domino Records. Follow the link for more info.

Young Galaxy "Peripheral Visionaries" (new video)

YOUNG GALAXY 'Peripheral Visionaries' [OFFICIAL VIDEO] from Paper Bag Records on Vimeo.
Young Galaxie released Shapeshifting via Paper Bag Records earlier this year to critical acclaim. The band teamed up with fellow Montrealer Sinbad Richardson for the animated video for "We Have Everything" and now again for "Peripheral Visionaries" (above). Together the videos follows Jennifer's quest for a "fulfilling life" and the vanity that prevents her from achieving it. Is history doomed to repeat itself? If it is then I guess we can expect to see Young Galaxy back on the Polaris Prize Long List again (as we have for the past to years) next year (or whenever their next release may come). In the meantime catch them on tour with label-mates Austra.

 

Young Galaxy World Tour Dates:

October 13 - Reykjavik IS - Iceland Airwaves
October 15 - Stockholm SE - Strand
October 19 - Oslo NO - Mono
October 20 - Göteborg SE - Pustervik
October 21 - Malmo SE - Debaser
October 22 - Hamburg DE - Indra Club
October 23 - Berlin DE - Comet Club
October 25 - Cologne DE - Elektroküche
October 26 - Amsterdam NL - Paradiso
October 27 - Paris FR - Flèche D’or
October 28 - Lille FR - Ground Zero Festival

October 29 - Brussels BE - Ancienne Belgique

October 30 - Manchester UK - The Deaf Institute
November 2 - London UK - The Lexington   

November 16 - Vancouver BC - Electric Owl +

November 17 - Kamloops BC - Cactus Jacks +

November 18 - Edmonton AB - The Brixx Bar & Grill +

November 19 - Calgary AB - HiFi Club +
  November 20 -  Lethbridge AB - Tongue N Groove +

November 22 - Saskatoon SK - Amigos Cantina +

November 23 - Regina SK - The Exchange +

November 24 - Winnipeg MB - West End Cultural Centre +

November 25 - Fargo ND - The Aquarium +

November 26 - Minneapolis MN - Triple Rock Social Club +

November 28 - Chicago IL - Empty Bottle +

November 29 - Pontiac MI - The Pike Room at Crowfoot Ballroom +

December 1 - Toronto ON - The Phoenix Concert Theatre +

December 2 - Montreal QC - Cabaret du Mile End +

December 3 - Ottawa ON - Ritual Night Club +

December 4 - Waterloo ON - Starlight *

* with Austra

Atas Sound "Te Amo" (new track)

Atlas Sound - Te Amo
Deerhunter lead man Bradford Cox has released two previous solo albums under the Atlas Sound moniker.  Now he's getting ready to release a third album Paralax via 4AD on November 11, 2011. Above you will find the second single off the upcoming long player "Te Amo" a sweet looped based number. This is just the latest proof that Cox's songwriting is like the universe, ever expanding.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra "Ffunny Ffrends" (video)

Portland, by way of New Zealand, based band Unknown Mortal Orchestra recently released a video for their track "Ffunny Ffrends". The first time we heard this song was via the bands Bandcamp page just over a year ago. The track was given a proper release earlier this year via their self-titled, debut album (available from Fat Possum). The band has kept busy ever since recently finishing up an extensive tour that saw them open for Portugal the Man, then, Yuck, and finally, Toro Y Moi.

Mwahaha "Sleep Deep" (new track)

Oakland's Mwahaha premiered their new single "Sleep Deep" from their upcoming, self-titled, debut album to be released December 6th, 2011 via their own Mwahaha Music imprint. The track premiered over at RCRD LBL and is embedded below. Despite their cheeky name the music these guys are putting out is no laughing matter. Check it out.

The Twilight Sad "Kill It In The Morning" (new track)

The Twilight Sad - Kill It In The Morning by Fat Cat Records
The Twilight Sad are set to release their third album No One Can Ever Know via Fat Cat Records in February 2012. Today they released the album closer "Kill It In The Morning" for your listening enjoyment. Check it out above and then head over to the bands website and download it. The first "proper" single from the album"Sick" will be available digitally November 15th, 2011.

Shimmering Stars with Seapony, Chains of Love, and more Live at The Waldorf

Shimmering Stars

Friday September 16th was looking like one of those days when I should have stayed in bed but, I'll spare you the details and jump straight to the happy ending - enter Vancouver's own Shimmering Stars. For those of you who don't know we at Tasty Ears love these guys. We were stoked to find out they were playing at one of our favourite venues in Vancouver, The Waldorf Hotel, so soon after the release of their debut full length Violent Hearts (released via Hardly Art). The night could easily have been billed as Retro Night between the Tiki Bar upstairs and the sweet sounds from way back down but that wouldn't have been nearly as hip. The night opened with Portland's Have You Seen Julian before local "band to watch" Chains of Love hit the stage. Unfortunately for me I missed these two bands due to the afore mentioned shitty day. I did, however, arrive in time to see Seapony who made the trip up from Seattle for a really great set.

I briefly caught a wave from singer/guitarist Rory McClure (Shimmering Stars) on his way up to take the stage. By this point the place was packed and the Pilsners were flowing. The crowd gathered on the dance floor as Shimmering Stars opened their set. They sounded better than ever and ploughed through several tracks including hits "Dancing to Music I Hate", "I'm Gonna Try" and the anthemic "East Van Girls" before getting into some of their trademark witty banter. They played a great set and just to prove they were as stoked as the crowd McClure capped it off by smashing into the drum kit. You can tell that they've been busy since I was last blown away by them just six months ago. Keep it going boys, you saved my day.

EMA "Marked" (video)

One of the best albums of the year is EMA's debut Past Life Martyred Saints (out now via Souterrain Transmissions). EMA's singular sound is so emotive and raw that one can't really help but be sucked in by it. Take, for example, the lyric "I wish every time he touched me/Left a mark." from the latest single "Marked" which is to be release November 21st b/w the brand new track "Angelo". The video for "Marked" was directed, shot, and produced by Leif Shackelford (a live band member) and Erika M. Anderson herself and features San Francisco artist Blair Penney.

The Beets "Doing As I Do" (new track)

New York's The Beets are set to release Let The Poison Out via their new backing on Hardly Art this October 24th, 2011. Check out the first single "Doing As I Do" (below). The thirteen track long player is the bands third album and was recorded in two days at Marlborough Farms by Gary Olsen (of Ladybug Transistor). The Beets are a gang and they are currently accepting new pledges so go on and be a part of something.
The Beets - Doing as I Do

Apollo Ghosts "Money Has No Heart" (video)

Vancouver punkers Apollo Ghosts recently released Money Has No Heart 7" via Geographing Records. Only 300 copies were pressed but it is also available digitally via Bandcamp. The video was directed and edited by Amanda Thomson with a special guest appearance by Lana Pitre (Synthcake). Apollo Ghosts are one of the most underrated bands going (and they're very highly rated). Get the 7" and thank me later.

Beirut "Santa Fe" (video)

We love Beirut. Beautiful melodies masterfully arranged for horns, a baritone voice sitting atop the implied harmony, I mean who doesn't love that. The year of the saxophone bah! Give me brass and make it sweet. Also, give me your wallet.

Lana Del Rey "Blue Jeans" (video)

Lana Del Rey (aka Lizzy Grant) is set to release Video Games/Blue Jeans on October 9-16 (depending on where you are), 2011 via Stranger Records. The four track EP will feature the two songs plus two remixes. If indie is so retro right now and Lana Del Rey is retro then Lana Del Rey is the new indie "it" girl by transitive property or maybe she's just really cool. Whatever, we're into it.

Trash Talk "Awake" (new video)

Sacramento's thrash-punks Trash Talk are set to release an new EP tiled Awake via True Panther Sounds on October 11th, 2011. Here's the short but sweet title track "Awake" given the extended video treatment. Yes!

Washed Out "Amor Fati" (new single)

Washed Out is set to release the second single off of their critically acclaimed album Within Without (out now via Sub Pop). The single will drop November 7th on limited edition 12" and is b/w "Call It Off" (also from 'Within Without') and two remixes (by Clams Casino and Au Revoir Simone) plus a Washed Out tote bag (all via Weird World). If you haven't heard Ernest Greene (aka Washed Out) before there is no better time than right now. Check it out.
Washed Out - Amor Fati by DominoRecordCo

Neon Indian "Polish Girl" (video)

Tim Nackashi (OK Go, Death Cab For Cutie) recently teamed up with Neon Indian to direct the video for "Polish Girl". The sci-fi love depicted is a little more romantic than the chat-roulette we're used to but perhaps not far off down the road. Anyway, the amazing album Era Extraña just dropped this week via Static Tongues/Dine Alone/Transgressive Records and this track is one of the many highlights.

WATERS "For The One" (video)

WATERS has released the official video for his amazing single "For The One" this week. Watch out for this band they have it all. Their debut album Out in the Light drops next Monday (September 19, 2011) via City Slang. The trippy video, directed by Allen Cordell (Beach House, Cloud Nothings) explores reverse dreaming. If you have a dream catcher in your life this could change everything. Check it.

Girls "My Ma" (Jimmy Fallon web exclusive)

As, I'm sure by now my devoted readers, you have heard me go on about how psyched I am about Girls and their latest album Father, Son, Holy Ghost (out now via True Panther). Then it should come as no surprise that I'm posting about them again. Seriously, just buy the album already and join me in my enthusiasm. For example, here's the web exclusive video of Girls performing "My Ma" on Jimmy Fallon (their TV debut). This is easily one of the best albums of the year and this is a particularly beautiful track. Go!

Aunts & Uncles in An Afternoon at the Zoo

Aunts & Uncles
(L to R) Daniel Ruiz, Adrienne LaBelle, Joseph Hirabayashi 

On August 11th Vancouver's Aunts & Uncles released their debut self-titled EP via self-release. The fiercely talented trio blend elements of indie, rock, baroque, folk, and pop into an exciting new sound under the guise of familiar forms. Tasty Ears caught up with them a few days later to kick off our new video series An Afternoon at the Zoo. We took the band to the Kozmik Zoo for a short, intimate live set and interview before they headed back out on the road. Watch the three part video below and for more behind the scenes band pics and insight head over to Shaine Jones Photography.

Shimmering Stars "Nervous Breakdown" (new track)

Shimmering Stars released their debut full length Violent Hearts yesterday via Hardly Art. Their latest single "Nervous Breakdown" debut over at Consequence of Sound and we have it posted below now. Be sure to catch the band at The Waldorf on September 16th with Seapony (we'll be there) or at Red Cat records for an in-store on September 24th.
06 Nervous Breakdown by AlmostMusique

Tasty Ears was lucky enough to catch up with Shimmering Stars during the lead up to the new album and caught an intimate performance from an East-Van basement suite on camera. Check it out.

Girls 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' out now

Today is a truly epic release day for indie music but let me draw your attention to one album we are especially amped about. Father, Son, Holy Ghost by Girls is out today and it is awesome. To celebrate the band will be performing live from Nashville's Grimey's independent record store at 5pm (CST) on Friday September 16th. The show is billed as America's first Nationwide Instore due to the fact that you can stream the performance via your favourite independent record store's website. This is a one-time-only webcast so don't miss it. Check out "Honey Bunny" (below) and get stoked for Friday.
Girls - Honey Bunny

Caveman CoCo Beware Out Today

Caveman "Great Life" is Yourstru.ly from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
Today marks the debut digital release of Caveman's CoCo Beware via Magic Man! Records/ORG Music/Dine Alone Records (in Canada) (available through iTunes) with a physical release to follow on November 15th (pre-order here). Yours Truly recently caught the band performing "Great Life" in The Rumpus Room studio in Brooklyn with nine additional percussionists (which is the above video). This album has been on heavy rotation around Tasty Ears office for sometime and we can't get enough. Get it! You're welcome.

Givers Live at The Media Club September 5th 2011

On Monday September 5th Givers found themselves up in Vancouver as part of their tour for In Light. The band took the stage after an opening set from The Kopecky Family Band just after 11 pm. What the crowd lacked in numbers it more then made up for in enthusiasm and Givers were equally stoked. They played a high energy set that covered almost all of their catalogue before ending with song of the summer "Up, Up, Up". After the show we caught up with singer/percussionist/ukulele player Tiffany Lamsen for a few words.

TE - Before you played "Ripe" tonight Taylor (Guarisco, singer/guitar player) said it was about Vancouver, would you care to elaborate on that for us?

T.L. - Tyler was joking on me. I always talk about how I like to come to Vancouver so I guess it was a good joke on me. Then it turned out to be a joke on you… which is wrong so, I'm going to retract that statement. But, I'm sure there is a Vancouver song coming. It's in the mix.

TE - When were you last here?

T.L. - January or something. We were on tour with Ra Ra Riot?

TE - And that was the first time you were in Vancouver?

T.L. - The band. I've been here before. I came here probably when I was young like thirteen or fourteen and then I looked at going to college here. I wanted to go to the Art Institute but I never made it. I did make it here but by a different avenue.

TE - You and Taylor seem especially connected to the songs. Do you feel like it's more of a lyrical or musical connection for you?

T. L. - Well, Taylor and I both write all the lyrics and I guess I'm passionately married to the lyrics most of the time so I always get into that side of it. I mean we write the songs and Taylor or I might come up with ideas on our own or the band will jam and an idea will bloom from there. Ultimately we arrange the songs together so I guess everyone just expresses themselves differently. Whenever you're singing you're a little bit more exposed and naked because your instrument is you, you know. I feel like that could possibly be the connection to the songs that you're seeing.

TE - Where do your inspirations come from? Do you find them walking down the street or are you better locking yourself in a room?

T. L. - I think everybody's different. I do not do well locked in rooms. It's a general statement as well. I feel like everyday, being alive, you can always find something inspirational out of it. It's not like roses you know? You're not just walking along and there it is. It comes at the most unexpected times. Like right before we went on stage, we were trying to warm up and I was just writing lyrics for this new song and I didn't even expect it.

TE - Would you rather be live onstage or in the studio?

T. L. - I get most of my kicks live but there is something very special about recording because that is the only material side of being a musician, otherwise it's a fleeting form. It's weird you know, because you could be in insurance and you're selling things and it's paper but here I'm presenting my art and people are digesting it and that's where the interaction of a career is. So making a recording, there's something really special about it because you can put your ideas down. You funnel them and they become a part of history. So I do love the recording side but you get to experience that over and over and over live and then beautiful mistakes happen and there's always room for improvisation which is fun. They are two totally different mind sets.

TE - How did you and Taylor come together?

T. L. - Well we all live in Lafayette Louisianna and so I knew some of the guys throughout high school and college, from around. I'd seen them around, seen them play in other bands. I'd seen Taylor play in high school. He played in a funk band. I approached him after summer, right before I started college. He was already a year in and we were both going to the University of New Orleans. I decided to do drums, drum set. I'd decided to do jazz so I figured I'd go to New Orleans. It was close and I had friends there and it's such an interesting city. Really eclectic and a really cool place to go. I saw that Taylor was going there too and I said " Hey maybe I'll see you around" and we ended up living in the same house together. Kind of randomly, half by default half by preparation. We ended up jamming together. Him on bass, me on drums and like, all the time. Then the hurricane came and brought us back to Lafayette so we started writing music there.

TE - How did you evolve from a kit player to the percussion/ukulele set up you've got now?

T. L. - I don't know. It's a mystery how the ukulele came in there. In this band, the really special thing is, there are no rules, no expectation. If I don't want to play that on the next record no one's going to say anything. The cool part is that there is no bar set for anything. I decided that there really wasn't much room in the mid range for a guitar but I still want to play a string instrument. I'd been playing guitar for a year or two just in my room so I thought I'll just play ukulele because it's a higher frequency and a cool sound. I get to mess with pedals with it which is weird and fun. I still miss playing drums so it worked out. Kirby (Campbell, drums) and I met each other cause I worked at a drum shop in Lafayette. He'd always come in and I saw him at one of the drum camps we had. We were both drummers and had a passion for it and we get along really well.

TE - Is True Blood accurate?

T. L. - No but I down loaded the season. Some of the scenery is but the mosquitos are the only vampires. I really think that's why they made it down there. The mosquitos will eat you alive down there. They eat everybody else's blood but they don't eat mine anymore. Maybe, because I've been there for so long, they're tired of it or maybe my blood's not sweet enough.

TE - It's really hot down there right now isn't it?

T. L. - Yeah, it's balls hot. I'm really, really happy to be in Vancouver right now. During the summer, we've been touring up north and we're just like, in paradise right now. This is like 70s-80s (degrees Fahrenheit) down there it's around 90 to 100.

TE - You released an EP two years ago and a lot of that re-appeared on your latest album.

T. L. - We went back and rearranged a lot of those tracks. We did that (first EP) in Kirby's kitchen and bathroom and shit so we thought they deserved another chance, a re-birth.

TE - Thanks so much for talking with us. We love the album and your live show is even better. Enjoy the rest of the tour.

T.L. - Thanks!

The Pack a.d. 'Unpersons'

Vancouver's own The Pack a.d. have a brand new album out today via Mint Records titled Unpersons. Check out the first single/video from the new album (above) that premiered over at Aux TV. The Pack a.d. are on the road now with no break in sight (at least not till November). Catch them live near you.

The Pack a.d. Unpersons Tour Dates

All Canadian dates presented by exclaim!

Sept 13 - Streetlight Records, San Jose, CA (afternoon show, all ages)
Sept 13 - Hemlock Tavern, San Francisco, CA
Sept 14 - The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA
Sept 16 - Soma, San Diego, CA
Sept 17 - Whisky a Go-Go, West Hollywood, CA (with LA Guns)
Sept 18 - TBA, Las Vegas, NV
Sept 19 - The Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
Sept 20 - The Badlander, Missoula, MT
Sept 21 - Mootsy's, Spokane, WA

Sept 23 - OLIO Music Festival - Vancouver, BC
Sept 24 - Rifflandia Music Festival, Victoria, BC
Sept 26 - Habitat, Kelowna, BC (with guests Sun Wizard)
Sept 27 - Republik, Calgary, AB (with guests Sun Wizard)
Sept 28 - The Pawn Shop, Edmonton, AB (with guests Sun Wizard)
Sept 29 - Louis' Pub, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (with guests Sun Wizard)
Sept 30 - Lo Pub, Winnipeg, MB (with guests Sun Wizard) 
Oct 01 - The Aquarium, Fargo, ND
Oct 02 - Hell's Kitchen, Minneapolis, MN
Oct 04 - Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA
Oct 05 - OFF Minor, Dubuque, IA
Oct 06 - Daytrotter Session Recording - Rock Island, IL
Oct 06 - The Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL

Oct 07 - Call The Office, London, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 08 - Casbah, Hamilton, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 09 - The Mansion, Barrie, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 10 - Mansion House, St Catharine's, ON 
Oct 12 - Market Hill, Peterborough, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 13 - The Mansion, Kingston, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 14 - The Alexander, Brantford, ON (with Hollerado)
Oct 15 - The Opera House, Toronto, ON (with Hollerado) 
Oct 16 - Cafe Dekcuf, Ottawa, ON
Oct 19 - Phog Lounge, Windsor, ON
Oct 20 - Lager House, Detroit, MI

Oct 22 – Quebec City, QC @ Le Scanner
Oct 27 – Montreal, QC @ Le Divan Orange
Oct 28 – St-Hyacinthe, QC @ Le Zaricot
Oct 29 - The Vibe Lounge, Rockville Centre, NY
Oct 30 - The Charleston, Brooklyn, NY

Nov 01 - O'Brien's Pub, Allston, MA
Nov 02 - Hard Rock Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA
Nov 03 - Motr Pub, Cincinnati, OH

Planningtorock "Living It Out" (new single, video)

Living It Out from planningtorock on Vimeo.
Janine Rostron (aka Planningtorock) released a video for her driving dance track "Living It Up" in anticipation of a two part remix 12" to be released November 15th via DFA records. The original track is from Rostron's latest effort W that dropped earlier this year. An all round excellent record from a truly one of a kind artist. If that's not enough check out who's remixing it for the upcoming release:

LIVING IT OUT 12” ONE - TRACKLISTING  Living It Out (Jackson Remix) Living It Out (Cosmodelica Remix) Living It Out (Jackson Alternate Mix) LIVING IT OUT 12” TWO - TRACKLISTING Living It Out (Laurel Halo Remix) Living It Out (When Saints Go Machine Remix) Living It Out (Felix Hot Chip Remix)

Cut Copy "Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution" (video)

Today Cut Copy released the video treatment for their track "Blink and You'll Miss A Revolution" from their latest album Zonoscope. Directed by Emile Sornin and produced by Jules de Chateleux at Division. Many of you already have tickets to the sold out October 7th show here at Vancouver's Vogue but if you don't there are still tickets available for a second show October 8th again at the Vogue. Tour dates below.

Cut Copy North American Tour Dates * = w/ Washed Out  # = Midnight Magic 9/13: Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre - BUY TICKETS* # 9/14: Portland, ME @ The State Theater - BUY TICKETS* # 9/15: Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom - BUY TICKETS* # 9/16: Austin, TX @ Emos, DJ Set - Austin City Limits Official After Show - BUY TICKETS 9/17: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits – SOLD OUT 9/19: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue - BUY TICKETS* # 9/20: Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre - BUY TICKETS* # 9/21: Grand Rapids, MI @ Covenant Fine Arts Center - BUY TICKETS* # 9/22: Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall - BUY TICKETS* # 9/23: Urbana, IL @ The Canopy Club, Pygmalion Music Festival BUY TICKETS * 9/24: Cincinatti, OH @ Midpoint Music Festival BUY TICKETS* 9/26: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel - BUY TICKETS* # 9/27: Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat's Cradle – SOLD OUT * # 9/28: Athens, GA @ Georgia Theater - BUY TICKETS* # 9/30: Miami, FL @ Grand Central – SOLD OUT * # 10/1: Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live - BUY TICKETS* # 10/3: Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom - BUY TICKETS* # 10/4: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater - BUY TICKETS* # 10/7: Vancouver B.C. @ The Vogue – SOLD OUT* # 10/8: Vancouver B.C. @ The Vogue - BUY TICKETS* # 10/9: Portland, OR @ Wonder - BUY TICKETS* # 10/12: Hollywood, CA @ Palladium - BUY TICKETS* # 10/14: San Diego, CA @ @ 4th and B, Bring on the Bright Lights Concert Series - BUY TICKETS* # 10/15: San Francisco, CA @ Treasure Island Music Festival - BUY TICKETS 10/16: Pensacola, Florida @ Deluna Fest, Grammers Tent BUY TICKETS

Blouse "Videotapes" (new track)

Blouse is what you get when two art school students spend their nights in a Portland warehouse recording with Jacob Portrait (Unknown Mortal Orchestra). The neo-wave band has released two 7"s so far on two separate labels (Sub Pop and Captured Tracks) and is set to drop a self-titled full length on November 1st (via Captured Tracks). Just when you think they couldn't be any cooler they go and release a rad new track titled "Videotapes" from their upcoming debut. Get into it.
Videotapes by BLOUSE

Rubblebucket cover Sufjan Stevens for The Voice Project

Rubblebucket » Sufjan Stevens from The Voice Project on Vimeo.
Rubblebucket recently covered Sufjan Stevens' "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." for  The Voice Project, a non-profit charity organization that raises the profile of the plight of women in Uganda in an effort to help them. Throughout the ongoing war Ugandan Women's groups have been trying to pass songs on by word of mouth to bring home child soldiers and abductees. The Voice Project is an extension of that. The band had this to add about their choice of song "The song deals with a killer, but not in the obvious ways, how it tries to penetrate to the humanity of the situation. That humanizing, the struggle for that understanding is what's been dealt with in Uganda, and now Congo, CAR and South Sudan on a daily basis. Peace and forgiveness are easy words to toss around, to advocate, but given the scope and brutality of the atrocities it can sometimes seem distant and difficult to visualize when hearing the story of how it is really happening. It seems if we are to learn from what's going on, it's up to us all to humanize and try and understand that process at a real level.” Nice work.

Black Lips "Family Tree" (new video)

Black Lips recently released an official video for "Family Tree" off of their latest album Arabia Mountain (available now via Vice Music). The beautiful people at Bloody Disgusting scored the exclusive on this video. It came with this "WARNING: This video is definitely NSFW due to nudity, gore and sacrilegious imagery." It's a little over the top but... awesome, right? This is one of our favourite tracks off a seriously great album. 

Psychic Ills "Mind Daze"

New York's Psychic Ills are set to release their third album titled Hazed Dream on October 18th via Sacred Bones. The first single "Mind Daze" can be heard below. Singer Tres Warren had this to say about the new LP (in his too easy voice) "This album lives in a sunny place. A half memory." Sounds like a "Mind Daze" alright.
Psychic Ills - Mind Daze by sacredbones

Stepkids "Legend In My Own Mind"

Connecticut trio Stepkids kick off a fall tour in support of UK's The Horrors tonight in Vancouver (at Venue). Stepkids are also set to release their self-titled debut album on September 27th via Stones Throw. Check out a couple of their tracks below "Legend In My Own Mind" and  "Shadows on Behalf" and I'll see you at the show. If you're not in Vancouver their are more dates posted below.
The Stepkids - Legend In My Own Mind by stonesthrow
The Stepkids - Shadows On Behalf by stonesthrow

THE STEPKIDS Tour Dates (with The Horrors)

09.07 Vancouver, BC - Venue

09.08 Seattle, WA - Neumos

09.09 Portland, OR - Music Fest NW/Dante's

09.10 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's 365 Club

09.12 Pomona, CA – The Glass House

09.13 Costa Mesa, CA – The Detroit Bar

09.15 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre

09.16 San Diego, CA – The Casbah

09.17 Tucson, AZ - Plush

09.19 Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s

09.20 Dallas, TX – The Prophet Bar

09.21 Austin, TX – The Parish

09.23 St Louis, MO – The Firebird

09.24 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock

09.25 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall

09.27 Toronto, ONT - Lee's Palace

09.28 Montreal, QUE - Café Campus

10.02 Philadelphia, PA - World Café

10.03 Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall

10.04 New York, NY - Webster Hall

Oneohtrix Point Never 'Replica' first single "Sleep Dealer"

Oneohtrix Point Never is set to release Replica via Software/Mexican Summer on November 8th, 2011. The concept album is a song cycle based on lo-fi samples of television commercials and was mastered by Joe Lambert (Animal Collective, Dan Deacon, Dirty Projectors). Check out the first single "Sleep Dealer" now and start your morning off right, with a nice little nap.
Oneohtrix Point Never - Sleep Dealer by Mexican Summer

Zola Jesus "Seekir" (new track)

On October 4th Sacred Bones (September 26th via Souterrain Transmissions in Europe) is set to release Conatus the latest from Zola Jesus. You can check out the second single "Seekir" now (below). Along with the new track comes mention of some tour dates including a UK show with EMA (dates below).
Zola Jesus - Seekir by souterraintransmissions

ZOLA JESUS LIVE DATES

SEPTEMBER

11^th BESTIVAL Festival  

26^th LONDON, TOYNBEE STUDIOS (SOLD OUT)

Oct 06 Portland OR – Mississippi Studios

Oct 07 Vancouver BC – Biltmore Cabaret

Oct 08 Seattle WA – Crocodile

Oct 11 Minneapolis MN – 7th Street Entry

Oct 12 Chicago IL – Lincoln Hall

Oct 13 Ann Arbor MI – Blind Pig

Oct 14 Toronto ON – The Mod Club

Oct 15 Montreal QC – Il Motore

Oct 17 Boston MA – Brighton Music Hall

Oct 18 Brooklyn NY – Knitting Factory

Oct 19 New York NY – Le Poisson Rouge

Oct 20 Philadelphia PA – First Unitarian Church

Oct 21 Washington DC – Black Cat

Oct 22 Baltimore MD – Ottobar

Oct 24 Chapel Hill NC – Local 506

Oct 25 Atlanta GA – The Earl

Oct 28 Denton TX – Dans Silverleaf

Oct 29 Austin TX – The Mohawk

Oct 31 Los Angeles CA – The Echoplex

Nov 01 San Francisco CA – The Independent

NOVEMBER

23^rd LONDON, HEAVEN (with EMA)

24^th MANCHESTER, Academy 3 (with EMA)

25^th LIVERPOOL, Karizmer

Wise Blood "Nosferatu" (EP out now)

These Wings is the latest EP from Pittsburg's Wise Blood (available digitally now via Dovecoat, Vinyl out September 13th).  When the twenty-one year old is not performing as Wise Blood he is a cemetary undertaker. For a taste of the EP check out "Nosferatu" right now (posted below). 

Wise Blood - Nosferatu by Dovecote Records

Braids "Peach Wedding"

Fat Possum has arranged a split 7" between two super sweet Canadian bands Braids and Purity Ring. Below is Braids contribution titled "Peach Wedding". You devout readers have, no doubt, already heard the Purity Ring track. The split will be released on October 10th. Catch them in Victoria (with me) at the Metro Theatre on Thursday September 22 (as part of Rifflandia) or in Vancouver at the Electric Owl (as part of the Olio Festival 2011) on Friday September 23rd.

Braids - Peach Wedding

Danielle Duval 'Of The Valley' featuring "Sundowner"

Montreal's Danielle Duval is set to self-release her debut album Of The Valley on October 11th. You may have heard her cover of "The One That I Want" as featured on David Duchovny's Californication. Check out the first single "Sundowner" below. Catch her on tour supporting Royal Wood.
Danielle Duval -“Sundowner" feat. Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene

Danielle Duval Canadian Tour Dates with Royal Wood 18 September: Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Center 19 September: Regina, SK - Artesian on 13th 20 September: Calgary, AB – Ironwood 21 September: Nelson, BC - The Royal 22 September: Vancouver, BC - Electric Owl 26 September: Kelowna, BC - Minstrel Café 27 September: Red Deer, AB - The Hideout 28 September: Edmonton, AB - The ARTery 29 September: Saskatoon, SK – Bassment 7 October: Kingston, ON - Octave Theatre 12 October: Montreal, QC - Petit Campus 20 October: Toronto, ON – The Rivoli