Spotlight: Woodhands

One of the country's top electro bands, Woodhands, a duo made up of Dan Werb (vocals, synths) and Paul Banwatt (drums, live vocals), released a new album this past Tuesday. Remorsecapade is a follow-up to 2008's explosive Heart Attack, which led to tours in Asia, the US, and here in Canada. This new release keeps the band rocking the keytar, pounding out the dance hits, and exploring its emotional baggage.

To celebrate the release and help get the word out, the band hosted a secret, invite-only show Thursday night at Toronto's not-spacious Smiling Buddha bar. Slightly north and west of the usual hotspots, and often playing host to bands even I've never heard of, I admit to not having ventured there before. I got there early, and spent a quick hour and a quarter talking with an assortment of local press-types and friends of the band. At around 10:30pm, a smoke machine and two green lasers having created somewhat of a proper vibe, and with photographers assembled at the front, the band started to play. And then quickly stopped. Aw, Woodhands. The technical issues were almost instantly sorted out, and the show really got started. The band performed a few of the songs off Remorsecapade, brought Maylee Todd on to contribute her part to "Dissembler" and "Dancer" from Heart Attack, then seamlessly transitioned into "Coolchanize," the standout track from the new album. The performance wasn't quite the display of musical wizardry I've seen from this band, but that's hardly the point. Experiencing these songs---also "CP24," "Talk," and "I Should Have Gone With My Friends,"---performed live makes me excited for everyone who'll get a chance to see this band on their upcoming tour. And, as a friend of mine told Paul after the set, it was just fun to see them play in a small venue just like the old days. (Read more about that here.)

Remorsecapade is the band's second full-length album. Like the first, it offers up eminently danceable tracks and much artistic interest. Electro isn't usually this smart and fully danceable. The best track, "Coolchazine," grabbed my attention right away. Some of the others took a few listens, but by now I'm quite taken with the record.

The first track, "Pockets," sets the tone, and assures the listener that all the ingredients that made Heart Attack great are still present. Slow builds and quiet moments compete with pounding beats and aborted symbol crashes. The song's both groovy and meaningful. It's a love song, after all. "Talk," next up, is about a girl, too. It has dance hit written all over it, but the angst-ridden, yearning kind, not the bubble-gum version. "CP24" you've all heard (and seen). Here the angst gets aggressive and embittered. "Sluts"---which I just noticed begins with a technical glitch and Dan swearing "fuck this machine"---has a more dance club vibe. The girl problems continue, but there's a resolution. What begins aggressively ends with a much more healthy attitude. Awesome. And then comes "Coolchanize." As Dan himself might say, "Oh shit!" Screams! Grunts! This song takes me through the ringer. Dan---or the man he's singing about---has been done wrong. "Why are you fucking with my focus? Why do you have to be the closest thing to me?" and etc. The man can't get a break, though, deciding next that "I Should Have Gone With My Friends" instead of following his date around. This is another great dance track. After all this "Dissembler" comes as a welcome reprieve. Maylee Todd, whose smooth vocal performance on "Dancer" added so much to the first record, is back, performing a duet on this one with Dan. Much airier, this pop love song is really lovely. Everyone now feeling better about things, it's time to dance (and scream) again. "When the Party is Over," featuring fat synth beats, under-emphasized drumming, and great singing, is another solid Woodhands song. The final track ("I Want To Be Together," followed by the outro "How To Survive A Remorsecapade"), is radically different in sound. It's slower, contemplative, sad---"I want to be together" is the repeated refrain---but also a smart way to end a record that's full of anger and heartbreak and other emotional struggles. A "remorsecapade" indeed.

Download: "Pockets" (Remorsecapade, 2010).
Download: "I Kissed A Girl (Katy Perry cover)" (unreleased, 2009).
Download: "Dancer" (Heart Attack, 2008).
Download: "I Wasn't Made For Fighting" (Heart Attack, 2008).





And the live version:



Pick up a copy of Remorsecapade at your local record store, or order it through Paper Bag Records (or whatever other online retailer you like). You can also get both full-length records on vinyl from Paper Bag, as well as some digital-only releases, including last year's Dancer EP, a must-have for DJs or dance-party hosts.

The band is playing shows throughout Canada, February through April. Go see them if you're able!

2 Feb 2010, MTV LIVE, Toronto
6 Feb 2010, Hillside Inside at Sleeman Center, Guelph, Ontario
20 Feb 2010, Biltmore, Vancouver, British Columbia
24 Feb 2010, Pawn Shop, Edmonton, Alberta
25 Feb 2010, Broken City, Calgary, Alberta
26 Feb 2010, Amigo’s, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
27 Feb 2010, Lo Pub, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2 Mar 2010, Phog Lounge, Windsor, Ontario
4 Mar 2010, Level 3, St Catharines, Ontario
5 Mar 2010, Moon Over Marin, London, Ontario
6 Mar 2010, This Ain’t Hollywood, Hamilton, Ontario
11 Mar 2010, Opera House w/ k-os (Canadian Music Week), Toronto, Ontario
6 Apr 2010, Red Dog, Peterborough, Ontario
8 Apr 2010, Mavericks, Ottawa, Ontario
9 Apr 2010, Le Cercle, Quebec City, Quebec
10 Apr 2010, Club Lambi, Montreal, Quebec

NEW VIDEO : Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees - You Don't Miss Me

From their eponymous EP, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees release the first video for their first single "You Don't Miss Me." It films them doing what they do best-- dancing and stirring the crowd into a spastic frenzy with their electro-pop music. Sadly, guitarist Jason Vautour is not sporting his leather vest/short-shorts combo like he did in Ruby Jean's Vancouver show back in the fall.

Enjoy!

Review: Rep by Pop's Cell Phone Camera

For an average Gen-X guy like me who grew up in the 80’s listening to The Cure, The Thompson Twins, Joy Division and New Order, Bauhaus, Gene Loves Jezebel and other MTV-like Euro New Wave/Post punk acts, Cell Phone Camera, the new album from the Canadian outfit Rep by Pop instantly grabbed my attention and gets regular play on my show The New Spin. Though the album’s punchier first half is stronger than the more U2-like rockin’ second half, Cell Phone Camera is all very fun and upbeat, fusing together everything I loved about the 80’s and then some. For you youg’uns, I’d put them in the Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, Cut Copy, Of Montreal, and The Rapture family.

Timothy Kingston’s voice has an uncanny ability to drift from sounding like Robert Smith to Bono to that lead singer dude of Gene Loves Jezebel in “Spray Paint.” A few songs sound like early U2 backed by the early Cure, and “Bisbifren”, “Comfort Me and Comfort You” and “Cell Phone Camera” have immediate hooks with the latter having a wicked wah-wah/flanging guitar patch I salivate over every time I hear it. I love "Unknown" with its transcendent, uplifting quality.

This band has the potential to blow up huge and “sell out,” though that’s near-impossible to do these days, and as any new spinner might know by now, I don’t like bands that stick to formulas, but nonetheless I wish great success for this band. Though Rep by Pop is clearly inspired by the 80’s sound, thankfully they aren’t trying to copy it so much as use the sounds of the 80s like an artist does with a palette of colors. The challenge for them, for any band really, is to push their familiar sound rather than be swallowed by it. Needless to say, Cell Phone Camera stands out in all the right ways. Here's a vid:

Read my other reviews here.

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The New Spin "the best music you've never heard."

NEW VIDEO : Joel Plaskett - You Let Me Down

Off of his latest, Three (Disc 1), comes the latest video for Joel Plaskett's second single off his 2009 Polaris-nominated record.

Enjoy!

New Video: Ox - Prom Queen

Ox - Prom Queen

New Video: the Left - Drinking About You

the Left - Drinking About You



Download a free MP3 of this song at theleft.ca

Free Double Album & New Video from Brian Borcherdt

Yesterday I posted an interview between Rebekah Higgs and Brian Borcherdt (the last third of Higgs' Tuesday Afternoon radio show on CKDU). In it Borcherdt lays out the long tale of how his new album Torches came to be.

It seems, at one point, Borcherdt lost a large collection of recordings and demos in a cab. Having rediscovered some of them and not wanting to take a chance on them being lost forever again he put some finishing touches on them and is giving them to you along with the Ward Colorado demos. Because releasing a double album just isn't enough for Brian for a Wednesday he also has a new video (see below) and is out on an Eastern tour with the spectacularly talented Julie Fader starting tomorrow. (see tour dates below the video).

DOWNLOAD TORCHES (& THE WARD COLORADO DEMOS) HERE

BONUS: Grab the Hand Drawn Dracula Mixtape Here

Brian Borcherdt - While I Was Asleep

Brian Borcherdt - While I Was Asleep from Hand Drawn Dracula on Vimeo.

Catch Brian and Julie on Tour at:

19 November The Ship Inn St.John's, NFLD
20 November Hunters Ale House Charlottetown, PEI
21 November The Paragon Theatre Halifax, NS
22 November The Capital Bar Fredericton, NB
23 November Paramount Lounge Moncton, NB
24 November Thunder&Lightning; Ltd. In-Store @ 5:30pm Sackville, NB
24 November House show! Antigonish. NS
26 November Club Lambi Montreal, QC
27 November Maison des Arts Laval, QC
30 November The Ship Hamilton, ON

Two New Wilderness of Manitoba videos from SouthernSouls.ca

Two videos featuring the Wilderness of Manitoba created by Mitch Fillion for southernsouls.ca (an amazing site that sadly doesn't seem to have an RSS feed - check it out though).

the Wilderness of Manitoba - Orono Park

THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA - Orono Park from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo.

The Wilderness of Manitoba - Bluebirds

THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA - "Bluebirds" from Mitch Fillion on Vimeo.

Video Vault with hHead, Trans-X, Cowboy Junkies, Royal City and More.

This is the part of the week where I revisit some of the music that's older than this website (since we started in March 2009 - that's alot of territory). You might remember some of it from the days when Much Music played music!

Bran Van 3000 - Couch Surfer (1997)



Rheostatics - the Battle of Wendell Clark (1988)



Crash Test Dummies - Superman's Song (1991)



Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane (1989)



Alanis Morissette - Hand In My Pocket (1995)



Big Sugar - Turn the Lights On (1998)



Trans X - Living On Video (1981)



Spirit of the West - Venice is Sinking (1993)



Royal City - Take Me Down to Yonder River (2004)



hHead - Collide (1992)

New Video: Pick A Piper - Rooms

One of the most impressive new acts of 2009 - In this debut video from Pick A Piper there are shots of the band playing around a campfire which seems entirely appropriate. I've described Pick A Piper before as a bit like a drum circle that morphed into a band. If I remember correctly all four members are drummers (though they don't all play drums all the time.) So the result is a bit like an acoustic Holy Fuck. A campfire concert wouldn't seem odd at all for these folks.

Pick A Piper - Rooms
Shot in many locations around ICELAND as well as Ontario, Canada.

New Video: the Diableros - Old Story, Fresh Road

The Diableros Old Story, Fresh Road
Video for Old Story, Fresh Road by The Diableros. Directed and shot by Filip Dobosz. filipdobosz.com thediableros.com

New Video: the Wheat Pool - This is It

Edmonton's the Wheat Pool have just released their video for "This is It" - the first single from their new album Hauntario

"Our first video! Well, officially anyhow. The band is really excited to announce the release of our video for “This Is It”, the lead-off track/single from “Hauntario”.

Produced/Directed/Edited/Masterminded by our good friend Greg Gillespie (Passengerone), the video was shot on a day off in Vancouver during the band’s recent western Canadian tour with The Albertans. A huge thanks goes to Greg for his incredible devotion and vision to pull together this project in such a precise manner. Also thanks to the incredible Greg Rose, our ‘tour manager’, for all of his help during the shoot. (you can see millisecond clips of Mr. Rose in the final moments of the video). Also thanks to our band photographer, Ian Sheh (website) for chronicling the event. Photos available soon."

They've also announced that a new and revamped website is almost ready. You can keep up with the band on their blog at their current and future web site at thewheatpool.com.

The Wheat Pool - This is It

New Video: The Most Serene Republic - Heavens to Purgatory

This video for "Heavens to Purgatory" from the Most Serene Republic's album ...And the Ever Expanding Universe was posted to Pitchfork.tv and was tweeted by @tmsr so I guess it's the official one and the one below it is unofficial (though it's still good.) Take your pick.

Heavens to Purgatory



also Heavens to Purgatory

New Video: Grand Analog - Take It Slow

Via CBC Radio 3: A new video from Grand Analog!

Canada has a ton of good hip hop - people like Cadence Weapon, Dragon Fli Empire, Shad, D-Sisive, Radio Radio, Plex and many, many others. I'm always happy and proud that popular Canadian hip hop seems to fall more into the Michael Franti school and lacks alot of the hate that seems to dominate the popular American stuff - no "guns, bitches & bling", no "get rich or die trying" and no gun or drug charges against people from the Canadian school.

My favorite Canadian hip-hop act though is Grand Analog - Odario Williams & co. take elements of soul, blues, jazz, raggae, and ska into the music - and it all comes out soundling like a summer day in South / West Toronto (even when they were still in Winnipeg):

Grand Analog - Take It Slow (Spaces and Places)

New Video: Jenn Grant - You'll Go Far

Uploaded to the Six Shooter Records YouTube Channel without fanfare or any notes. Find more from Jenn at jenngrant.com.

Jenn Grant - You'll Go Far

New Video: The Ghost is Dancing - This Thunder

From the video's description:

""All you need for a music video is a gun and a girl."

New music video by The Ghost is Dancing (Sonic Unyon), directed and produced by Middleschool. The video recreates scenes from their favourite New Wave films. Shot at various locations in Toronto including the ROM, High Park, Yorkville, the Henhouse, Dundas Bridge, and Agi's House in Little Italy."

The Ghost is Dancing - This Thunder

New Video: Sarah MacDougall - Cry Wolf

Sarah MacDougall - Cry Wolf



"This music video was recorded in Vancouver, Canada by Film maker Tama Gempton with a 16mm Bolex camera. Cry Wolf is the single from Sarah's album 'Across the Atlantic'."

New Video: Dan Mangan - Robots

Dan Mangan has just finished kicking but on tour across the country and is now headed for an international tour that will take him to Dubai and through the UK and Europe. If you're in any of these places or are planning to be see the tour dates below the video. A few nice things said about Dan while he was crossing the country:

“Stealing his title from a poem in the classic Kurt Vonnegut novel Cat’s Cradle, Dan Mangan has crafted a near-perfect indie rock album. Simple yet varied, each of these 12 songs could easily stand alone as a sparkling single. If you think that I’m overenthusiastic about this album, try listening to the chorus of “Robots” without singing along: “Robots need love too!” Go on, I dare you! See Magazine

“Mangan has a sharp, observational eye and if he chose to, could probably deliver it with just as sharp a tongue but there’s no mistaking the genuine affection for the characters that inhabit his songs, rich with both humour and sadness. It’s the same sort of gift that John K Samson possesses and while Mangan prefers a more rootsy vehicle for his tunes, Weakerthans comparisons are not out of line and should be taken as compliments. It was obvious that Mangan has already built himself a sizable fanbase, but there was also a sense that this show was catching him on the cusp of bigger things – at least if Very Nice gets the attention it deserves.” Chromewaves

"...Knocks you flat on your ass... Mangan's career is clearly on the rise. Hop on board and enjoy the ride." - Exclaim!

"From his unusual and razor-sharp phrasing to the sage poetry in his everyday-life observations, he's in the ranks of geniuses such as Greg Brown, Nick Drake or Badly Drawn Boy." - The Province

"He's an observer in the sense you'd want to join him on a patio for a drink just to see the city through his eyes for an afternoon. Until then, Nice, Nice, Very Nice effectively lets you pretend for just over 40 mesmerizing minutes." – Chartattack

“Truly, Mangan's baladeering, his excellent construct, his permeating, poetically-phrased observations would be fantastic as is, but the fact that Mangan can insert his personality into the music makes it all the more appealing. There is grandeur to this music, effortless grandeur, and, what's more, it's as fun as it is challenging and interesting.” - Hour/Xpress

“ He caters skilfully both to the concrete and the abstract, concisely conveying his meanings by first painting a striking image of his surroundings, then following it by presenting an emotional or social situation. Material like his sophomore release, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, doesn't surface too often.” 30 Music

"It's hard to believe that this new collection of stellar songs won't help him leave each tour stop with countless new fans in his corner." – Herohill

“The obvious thing to say here is something along the lines of "Robots be damned, you're going to love Dan Mangan by the end of Nice, Nice, Very Nice." I can't think of any better way to close out this review, however, so just do yourself a favour and get this album, because it's so phenomenal that it's impossible to resist.” iheartmusic

"With some of his strongest work to date and an already large fan-base, Nice, Nice, Very Nice could very well be the album that solidifies Mangan as the standout artist he is." –Discorder

"Ultimately, it's that ability to write lyrics that beg for some consideration of their meanings" - Vue Weekly

"If you like The Weakerthans or early Hawskley Workman, you'll love this record. It's all well crafted singer-songwriter stuff with impressive range." –Metro

"Listeners wouldn't expect the cheeky content to sail through waves of dynamic choral balladeering and colourful instrumentation, but Mangan doesn't only pull it off, he makes it soar." – SoundProof Magazine

I couldn't agree more - with all of it. Here's the video - directed by Mike Lewis and, if you don't already have it Grab an MP3 of Robots - Or even a copy of the video.

Dan Mangan - Robots



Tour Dates:

05 Nov 2009 –Dubai @ Dubai Sound City
09 Nov 2009 – London @ Puregroove
10 Nov 2009 – Brighton @ Sanctuary Cafe
11 Nov 2009 – London/ Brixton @ The Windmill
12 Nov 2009 – London @ The Slaughtered Lamb
13 Nov 2009 – Bristol @ The Lansdown
14 Nov 2009 – Edinburgh @ The Bowery
15 Nov 2009 – Glasgow @ Brel
18 Nov 2009 – London @ The Lexington
19 Nov 2009 – London @ @ Monkey Chews
20 Nov 2009 – Paris @ Time Festival
21 Nov 2009 – Paris @ Time Festival
23 Nov 2009 – Paris @ Cafe Satellite
25 Nov 2009 – Hamburg @ Hasenscgaukel
26 Nov 2009 – Copenhagen @ Klub Geyser
27 Nov 2009 – Stuttgart @ Cafe Galao
28 Nov 2009 – Offenbach @ Hafen 2
30 Nov 2009 – Reutlingen @ Better2Gether
01 Dec 2009 – Hannover @ Cafe Glocksee
03 Dec 2009 – Feldkirch @ Graf Hugo
04 Dec 2009 – Leipzig @ Paris Syndrom
05 Dec 2009 – Unna @ Spatz & Wal
06 Dec 2009 – Eindhoven @ Effenaar
07 Dec 2009 – Gent @ Video
08 Dec 2009 – Melkweg @ Amsterdam
09 Dec 2009 – Ultrecht @ Tivoli De Helling
10 Dec 2009 – Den Haag @ Paard van Troje

New Video: Great Lake Swimmers - Palmistry

A new video for the Great Lake Swimmers song "Palmistry". The video was directed by Sean Michael Turrell (Tegan & Sara, Mstrkrft, Brendan Canning).

Great Lake Swimmers - Palmistry

New Video: Dog Is Blue - Raise Your Dead (reprise)

Via ZuniorTV: Paul (Dog is Blue) Watson directs and stars in the video for "Raise Your Dead (reprise)" which is, as far as I know, the first video for Dog is Blue. You can score a few free tracks at dogisblue.com and you can catch Paul at Organic Underground in Belleville, ON w/Doug Hoyerr and Michael Rault tomorrow night (Oct. 29) and/or at The Spill in Peterborough, ON w/Them Blades on Nov. 3.

New Video: Land of Talk - It's Ok

photo by Boris Schlensker

A new video for It's Ok by Land of Talk from the album: Some Are Lakes Directed by WeWereMonkeys

Video Vault: Bran Van 3000, Martha and the Muffins, Cub, Controller.Controller

This website launched in March of this year. We post alot of video - live video, music videos etc., but a whole lot of stuff happened before March 2009 - so I'm going to do occasional posts where I dig back and find video (live or otherwise) from the past just to revisit some great stuff or so that you can see things you might have missed the first time around.

Bran Van 3000 - Everywhere (1997)



Martha and the Muffins - Echo Beach (Live at Ontario College of Art 1978)



Cub - Go Fish (1993) (filmed with a fisher price pixelvision camera by joe klotz in lisa's basement. notice robynn sitting on the floor!)



Feist - It's Cool to Love Your Family (1999)



Sarah Harmer - Don't Get Your Back Up



Metric - Combat Baby (2003)



Rheostatics - Stolen Car (recorded live at CBC Vancouver 1999)



Hidden Cameras - I Believe in the Good of Life (2004)



the New Pornographers - the Laws Have Changed (2003)



Controller.Controller - History

New Video: Still Life Still - Pastel

Brand new video from Still Life Still - look carefully and see if you can spot Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning ; )

Still Life Still - Pastel

New Video: Dragon Fli Empire feat Moka Only - Paradise

Dragon Fli Empire's video for Paradise featuring Moka Only from album Redefine (Makebelieve Records) and the Ride On Vinyl EP (Traveller Records). Directed by Wal Martian for Apartment 32.

Want to Be in an Arkells Video?

Via the Arkell's Myspace:

"We're shooting a video for our new single "Pullin' Punches"

All you have to do is e-mail:
[email protected]

Details:

shoot date: Tuesday, Oct. 20th
location: TBD (Greater Toronto Area)
Time: TBD
Wardrobe: 1940/50's if possible, otherwise dress clothes (slacks, button down plain dress shirts etc) no sneakers

The production company will get in touch with you regarding times and l"

Arkells - The Ballad of Hugo Chavez

New Video: the Dears - Savior

From the Dears and aux.tv directed by Christopher Mills.

New Video: Animal Nation - Party Animals

A new video from Animal Nation's third, brilliantly titled, album "Understanding More About Nothing Than Anybody Ever Thought Impossible or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Music"

Animal Nation - Party Animals

New Video: Jason Bajada - Tired of Talking

Photos by Corinne Paquette

The third video Jason Bajada's brilliant album Loveshit Tired of Talking is directed by Anton Josef. Find more from Jason at Myspace/jasonbajada.

New Video: the Weakerthans - Sun in an Empty Room

Ok the video isn't that new. It was actually released 6 whole days ago - still even in the age of information overload that's newish.

Sun in an Empty Room



What is new is the little interview posted on their Myspace blog.

elow is an interview between Stephen Carroll of The Weakerthans and Benjamin Wienstein, the director of the Sun in an Empty Room video, about the process of making the video.

SC: Benjamin, To start, lets begin with a technical detail, tell me about how how the video was shot and when?

BW: The video was shot in the summer of 2009, over 3 days. The shoot took place entirely within Winnipeg's North End. We had a couple of actors that we cast in Winnipeg (literally 2 or 3). All of the other characters are "real people" that we either discovered during our location scouts, or who happened to be there when we shot. I wanted the video to have a strong sense of realism - blurring the line between fiction and documentary - so, whenever possible, we captured what was actually there. For example, the church scene is a real morning mass taking place... there was no "action" and "cut" that morning, except for very discreet whispers and hand signals between the cameraman and I. There was a guiding principle of controlled chaos - every scene was carefully planned, but designed to allow for the little accidents that add something special. I shot the video on 16mm film.

SC: You directed the video for the Weakerthans song The Reasons back in 2004.
I know your relationship with the Weakerthans, but maybe you could explain how you came to know the band, and your connection to the city of Winnipeg?

BW: I grew up in Winnipeg, and I have known John Samson since we were little kids - our summers were spent down the street from each other in Gimli. A lot of years had passed since we had seen each other. I had been living in the States and only had a bit of familiarity with "Left & Leaving". I moved back to Canada just before "Reconstruction Site" was released. I picked up a copy and listened to it on repeat... for about 8 days straight. I was very excited to do the video for The Reasons. It was great to work with a band I love, and also to re-connect with John after a lot of years. I left Winnipeg in 1993, but in many ways I still consider it home... and when I return, I often feel like I never really left.

SC: This video, takes the song Sun in An Empty Room, which is a meditation on the Edward Hopper painting, and transposes the theme of longing and reconciliation for something departed, a old domicile, a relationship,or a time in ones life, to the changes that have affected a certain generation of residents of the North End neighborhood.
Why is this neighborhood significant to you? Why did you choose to link the two?

BW: When we started pre-production, this was a Winnipeg story - not a North End-specific story. As we started scouting and researching and talking to people, I became obsessed with the North End - its former greatness, and the looming question of whether or not it can re-emerge, or just be left stagnant... or worse. For me, the North End perfectly represents these themes of longing and reconciliation that I felt from the song, and wanted to achieve with the video. So it was ultimately a nostalgic compulsion - but after 16 years as a "Winnipeg ex-pat" my relationship with the city is heavily burdened by nostalgia. Also, The North End embodies some of the elements I find in the Hopper painting... the neighbourhood and the room are abandoned, but permanent.

SC: Change in Winnipeg occurs at glacial pace, but when it is completed it is dramatic.
I know, myself being a lifelong resident of Winnipeg, I am continually examining the City, trying to understand what it is, how it is changing, and what it will become.
As someone who has lived outside of Winnipeg for sometime, how do the changes you have depicted affect you, and how do you, when returning to Winnipeg, reconcile them?

BW: Many of the meaningful childhood elements of Winnipeg remain unchanged to me - the houses, the winters, the schoolyards, the 7-Elevens, and the old hockey rinks. Having been gone for so long, however, the larger-scale changes create a greater feeling of distance. There is a certain sense of alienation from the city as it is today, which seems to push for a connection through the past - a need for a greater understanding of its history. I have never consciously endeavored to reconcile these things, but your question has made me realize that - subconsciously - making this video was exactly that.

New Video: the Michael Parks - Chinese Laundry

The Michael Parks, are Shayne Cox (of Sports:The Band), Sandro Perri, Greg Smith (of The Weakerthans) and Andy Swan and the album from which this song is taken 'Try Try Again' is the first in Andy Swan's binary series. It is completely and totally free at his website themichaelparks.com.

the Michael Parks - Chinese Laundry

New Video: the Dudes - Girl Police

photo by Trevor Weeks

According to the Dudes Myspace:"my favorite 20 bros and I killed 2 kegs and 160 beers (thanks steam whistle!) and filmed a living room rock show. best day of summer."

the Dudes - Girl Police

New Video: PS I Love You - Facelove

Back in August there was a 7" Split Single with Diamond Rings - All Yr. Songs and PS I Love You - Facelove. (You can still get it here.) Colin Medley directed a video for All Yr. Songs so it seems only fair that he should also direct the video for Facelove.

You can find more from Colin at colinmedley.com and more from PS I Love You at myspace.com/psiloveyouband.

PS I Love You - Facelove



Catch PS I Love You at POP! Montreal at the Apple Crisp Showcase with the Gertrudes and False Face (Jupiter Room, Montreal) and at the Garrison in Toronto with Diamond Rings and Katie Stelmanis october 15 and 16

New Video: Rah Rah - Fuck Nafta

Ok, it's not new new - it came out on Sept. 8 but somehow I missed that. I'll leave you to your own thoughts on the political commentary.

Rah Rah - Fuck Nafta




Go See Rah Rah at:

1 Oct 2009 21:00
The Horseshoe Tavern with Sunparlour Players and Bruce Peninsula Toronto, Ontario
2 Oct 2009 23:00
Pop Montreal: Bar St Laurent 2 with Hollerado, 100$ and Boats! Montreal, Quebec
3 Oct 2009 20:00
3 Minots - POP Montreal CJLO showcase with Greg McPherson Montreal, Quebec
7 Oct 2009 20:00
Hunter’s Ale House Charlottetown, Prince Edward
10 Oct 2009 21:00
The Capital Fredricton, New Brunswick
11 Oct 2009 21:00
Gus’s with Sleepless Nights and Pneumatic Transit Halifax, Nova Scotia
13 Oct 2009 21:00
Baba’s Charlottetown, Prince Edward
15 Oct 2009 20:00
Whelan’s Gate Corner Brook, Newfoundland
16 Oct 2009 21:00
The Rockhouse with Tom Fun Orchestra St. john’s, Newfoundland
17 Oct 2009 22:00
The Ship St. john’s, Newfoundland
19 Oct 2009 21:00
Casa del Popolo Montreal, Quebec
20 Oct 2009 20:00
L’Hemisphere Gauche with Slow down Molasses Montreal, Quebec
22 Oct 2009 21:00
El Mocambo Toronto, Ontario
23 Oct 2009 21:00
This Ain’t Hollywood with Pneumatic Transit Hamilton, Ontario
26 Oct 2009 21:00
Blackshire Pub London, Ontario
27 Oct 2009 21:00
Phog Lounge Windsor, Ontario
28 Oct 2009 20:00
The Mansion Kingston, Ont

New Video: Winter Gloves - Party People

Via Amanda Ash the new video for 'Party People' from Winter Gloves:

New Video: the Bicycles - What A Fool

The Bicycles, who've been on hiatus this summer while various band members perused various other projects have returned, sort of, with a new video. It would appear that they're still busy as it's an animated video - but it still has to be a cause for optimism among fans:

the Bicycles - What A Fool



directed by Chris Cunningham. Edited by Agnes Dec. (C) 2009 Divine Cardboard Films.

New Video: Hexes and Ohs - Little Bird

Montreal duo Hexes and Ohs new video for "Little Bird". The only two dates currently scheduled for Hexes and Ohs are

Octboer 2nd
Pop Montreal @ Il Motore
Indyish Pop Mess
Montreal, QC

November 6th
KOSMIC 2010 @ Saint-Brigids
Carlton University Party
Ottawa, QC

For more info you can follow the band on their blog at hexesandohs.ca/wp/

New Video: Ana Egge - Morning

If you don't think you know who Ana Egge is, you're wrong. You'll at least know her from her work on Joel Plaskett's Polaris Prize Shortlisted album Three and the video for Through & Through & Through (pictured above with Rose Cousins). This is Ana's song Morning from her album Road to My Love. You can find out more about Ana and the album at anaegge.com. (Thanks to Joel Plaskett for the heads up.

Ana Egge - Morning



Directed by Paul Kloss, Trumpet by Shane Endsley

Cuff the Duke: New Video and Tour Dates

Found this video via CBC Radio 3 from the (recently released) Cuff the Duke album Way Down Here

Cuff the Duke - P r o m i s e s



Catch Cuff the Duke and Friends at

MON SEP 14 Chicago Schuba's
WED SEP 16 Minneapolis The Uptown
THU SEP 17 Winnipeg* Royal Albert
FRI SEP 18 Saskatoon* Amigo's
SAT SEP 19 Calgary* Broken City 8 PM and 10 PM
SUN SEP 20 Calgary* Broken City 8 PM
TUE SEP 22 Edmonton* Pawn Shop
THU SEP 24 Vancouver* Biltmore Cabaret
FRI SEP 25 Victoria RifflandiaFest
SAT SEP 26 Kelowna Habitat
TUE SEP 29 Thunder Bay C2
WED SEP 30 Sault Ste Marie LopLops
THU OCT 01 Sudbury** Townhouse
FRI OCT 02 Kingston** Grad Club
SAT OCT 03 London** Call the Office
THU OCT 15 Hamilton*** Casbah
or in person at The Casbah Lounge or Dr. Disc
FRI OCT 16 Toronto*** Horseshoe
or in person at Soundscapes and Rotate This
SAT OCT 17 Toronto*** Horseshoe
THU OCT 22 Peterborough Montreal House
FRI OCT 23 Ottawa Babylon
SAT OCT 24 Quebec City Le Cercle
TUE OCT 27 St. John's The Rock House
THU OCT 29 Charlottetown Baba's
FRI OCT 30 Halifax The Paragon
SAT OCT 31 Fredericton The Capital
Guests:
* Zeus
** The Stables
*** La Strada

Video: Amy Millan - Bury This

Ok it's not completely new. It was posted by Arts & Crafts a little over a week ago - but somehow I missed that: Amy Millan's new video for "Bury This" directed by Anthony Seck from Amy's new album Masters of the Burial:

New Video: Oh No Forest Fires - New Cove Road Back Home (Live in a Forest)

Photo by Max Mertens

Oh No Forest Fires shot this video in the woods behind front man Rajiv Thavanathan's mom's house in Newfoundland. According to the band it is:

"a) Named after a street in St. John's, NL
b) About a girl from St. John's, NL
c) Written by a guy from St. John's, NL
d) Performed/Recorded live in the woods in St. John's, NL"

On September 25 the band has a show at Lee's Palace (in Toronto) with Whale Tooth, the Balconies and and Fox Jaws - details are here!

Oh No Forest Fires - New Cove Road Back Home (Live in a Forest)

New Video: Great Lake Swimmers - Still

Via Spinner.ca the Polaris Music Prize shortlisted Great Lake Swimmers new video for "Still"

New Off the International Radar EP & Holy Fuck collaboration (w/ video)

Off the International Radar (OTIR) has signed with Hand Drawn Dracula and has a new EP ready to hit the world on September 13.

The new EP (the bands fourth) features Holy Radar a reworking of OTIR's "E bowl of Iris" . Holy Fuck sped up the original recording on a record player in studio and then played along and added their own layers. That means that you will be able to play the vinyl (if you play vinyl) at either 33 1/3 or 45 rpm and each will yield a different version of the song.

Watch the OTIR Myspace for details on getting your hands on the new release and, if you're in the neighborhood catch OTIR at:

09.17.09 Toronto ON · Drake. Hand Drawn Dracula showcase. Toronto Film Festival

10.22.09 Halifax NS · Seahorse. Hand Drawn Dracula showcase. Halifax Pop

In the meantime:

Off the International Radar & Holy Fuck - Holy Radar from Hand Drawn Dracula on Vimeo.

Off the International Radar - A Cold Mirror from Hand Drawn Dracula on Vimeo.

"Robots" gets some love from Dan Mangan

Vancouver-based Dan Mangan recruited a host of friends yesterday (including CBC Radio 3 host Tariq Hussain, members of Said The Whale, Brasstronaut and the Zolas and local radio host Tamara Stanners) as actors for the upcoming video to his summer hit "Robots," available off both his Roboteering EP and his latest LP Nice, Nice, Very Nice. The song was stuck in numerous heads over the past couple of months, and the video looks to be every bit as memorable.

He also recruited his brother to take snapshots of the shoot, which took place in a back alley in East Vancouver. The video looks like it will be very colourful and incredibly fun despite being filmed on a dreary and rainy Sunday in Vancouver. Click here for the entire photo set on Flickr.

A few snapshots:

New Video - God Made Me Funky Feat. Jully Black

New video from God Made Me Funky for On The Line (Lay It) Feat. Jully Black

New Video: Kids on TV - Still On About Keith Cole

A New Video from Kids on TV for Still On About Keith Cole, directed by Keith Cole who they are still on about: For more info on the band check kidsontv.biz.

Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees - Tour Dates and Remix Video

Rubekah Higgs alter ego Ruby Jean, along with her friends the Thoughtful Bees will be taking the show on the road one more time before winter sets in. It will be a quick two week swing that will take the band from Peterborough, Ontario to Victoria, BC. The dates are posted below but if you'd like to keep up with the tour and any changes or extra dates that may be added check out the Facdebook Event Page for the tour.

I also came across this when searching for nice media to include in the post. It is, accordint to the description:

"A remix of "You Don't Miss Me" by Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees.
Video source is a 1928 short film by James Sibley Watson entitled "Fall of the House of Usher," based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Produced and cut by Colin Bryson Crowell on July 15, 2008."

It's very nice!

Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees - Don't Miss Me (remix)

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir on the Canada Live Podcast

CBC Radio 2's Canada Live Podcast has been on a roll lately. Last week it was Ohbijou and Bahamas (MP3) - recroded at Hillside, the week before it was Justin Rutledge (MP3) at the Calgary Folk Fest and the week before that it was Luke Doucet and Basia Bulat (MP3 live at the Dawson City Music Fest. This week Radio 2 takes you to the Edmonton Folk Festival for the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir!

You can listen here:


or download it and take it with you and then watch this while you wait for your download to finish:

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir - Go Back Home

New Video: Spiral Beach - Domino

Spiral Beach's new album 'the Only Real Thing' (including a vinyl LP) launches on Sept. 22 and there is a bunch of stuff up for grabs for pre-orders including t-shirts, comic books, lyric books and photo albums. Go here for all the details. The new video for 'Domino' is here now: It was shot during the 2009 NXNE festival at the Whippersnapper Gallery, the La Casa Meurte Academy of Sciences and the Daps Duo show at Rolly's Garage:

Spiral Beach - Domino

New Video: Hey Ocean! - Fifteen Words

Official music video for Hey Ocean!'s Fifteen words from their 2008 release It's Easier To Be Somebody Else.

Check out Hey Ocean!:
On the web
Facebook
Twitter
Myspace

Video directed by Jeremy Regimbal and produced by www.thestudiomovement.com

New Video: Dan Mangan - The Indie Queens Are Waiting

Official Music Video for The Indie Queens Are Waiting by Dan Mangan (from 'Nice, Nice, Very Nice,' 2009).



Directed by Trevor Smith, Edited by Darren Bierman, Produced by John Kerr / Crowsnest Films. Shot at The Belmont Diner in Calgary, AB in July 2009.

Musical performers are Dan Mangan (Vocals, Guitar, Glockenspiel), Veda Hille (Vocals, Casio, Piano), Mark Berube (Accordion) - song written by Dan Mangan.

In this video, you'll see members of the following bands: The Fast Romantics, Deon Blyan, The Ex-Boyfriends.

For more information, or if you'd like to purchase anything Dan Mangan related..

http://www.danmanganmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/danmangan
http://www.twitter.com/danmanganmusic

Hidden Cameras Tour Dates

The Hidden Cameras are about to kick off a fall tour in support of the new album Origin: Orphan (due Sept. 22). There are sadly no Toronto dates on the list, but given that the Cameras are largely from here we can hope that Toronto is in the plans but wasn't included as part of a tour. If you'd like to keep up with all the details Join the Mild Mannered Army here.

10/21/09 – Peterborough, ON @ Montreal House
10/22/09 – London, ON @ Call The Office
10/23/09 – Guelph, ON @ Dublin Street United Church
10/29/09 – Ottawa, ON @ Babylon
10/30/09 – Kingston, ON @ Grad Club
10/31/09 – Montreal, PQ @ Il Motore
11/01/09 – Cambridge, MA @ Brattle Theater
11/02/09 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse
11/04/09 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
11/05/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/06/09 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall
11/07/09 – Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
11/08/09 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/10/09 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/12/09 – New Orleans, LA @ The Parish
11/13/09 – Denton, TX @ Hailey’s
11/14/09 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
11/17/09 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
11/18/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
11/19/09 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
11/21/09 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
11/22/09 – Olympia, WA @ Northern
11/23/09 – Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
11/24/09 – Victoria, BC @ Alix Golden Hall
11/25/09 – Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret
11/27/09 – Edmonton, AB @ Avenue Theatre
11/28/09 – Calgary, AB @ Broken City
11/29/09 – Saskatoon, SK @ Amigo’s
11/30/09 – Winnipeg, MB @ Royal Albert Hall
12/02/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
12/03/09 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle

In the NA



He Falls to Me



Awoo



Smells Like Happiness (Hillside 2005)



I Believe in the Good of Life



Death of a Tune



Breathe on it (Live at Barrymore's 2008)



Boys of Melody (playing along the Canal Saint Martin after a show in Paris 2006)

Two New Videos from Flecton Big Sky

Virgil Wennessee and Flecton Big Sky have been cranking out the videos lately. Last week there were videos for Circling Your Town and Finger Tips and this week (it's only tuesday) there are two more. If you like it you can grab Flecton's new album 'The Bright Side of Dying" here.

Cowboys and Indians



“Surrountains” from the album Never Took a Wife

New Video: Land of Talk - The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)

Land of Talk, in addition to the brilliant new video below also has a new EP and have announced a short tour. Chromewaves has the goods as well as a few MP3s you can download (including an MP3 of this song.)

New Video: Flecton Big Sky - Circling Your Town

Sadly no tour dates or anything to feed you, but for more info on Fecton Big Sky visit myspace.com/flectonbigsky or kelprecords.com/flecton-big-sky.

Flecton Big Sky - Circling Your Town

New Video: Immaculate Machine - Only Love For Your Car (+ Tour Dates)

A new video from Victoria's own Immaculate Machine - the band will also be taking to the road shortly (all of the specific dates haven't been announced) on a tour that will see them trough Canada, Europe, CMJ in New York and then a tour of China ... just think if you were in China you probably couldn't watch the internet video for

Immaculate Machine - Only Love You For Your Car



See them:
Sun Aug 30 - Victoria BC @ Element
Wed Sept 2 - Prince George BC @ Art Space
Thu Sept 3 - Edmonton AB @ The Pawn Shop
Fri Sept 4 - Calgary AB @ Broken City
Sat Sept 5 - Saskatoon SK @ Amigo's
Sun Sept 6 - Winnipeg MB @ Lo Pub
Mon Sept 7 - Regina SK @ O'Hanlon's
Tue Sept 8 - Lethbridge AB @ Henotic
Thu Sept 10 - Kelowna BC @ Habitat
Fri Sept 11 - Chiilliwack BC @ Chilliwack Arts Center
Sat Sept 12 - Vancouver @ The Biltmore Cabaret (early show)

Sept 12-Oct 22 - Europe
Oct 23-24, New York, CMJ
Oct 27-Nov 21 Eastern Canada
Dec 1-14 - China

United Breaks Guitars: Song 2

Dave Carroll and the Sons of Maxwell caused an international sensation with the first United Breaks Guitars video - to date it has been watched nearly 5 million times. Carroll promised at the time that there were two more songs and videos coming. This is the second part of the trilogy.

United Breaks Guitars: Song 2

Basia Bulat: Video and.. 2 Tour Dates

2008 Polaris-shortlisted folk singer, guitarist and autoharpist extraordinaire Basia Bulat brought her warm voice to the stages of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival back in July.

Bulat and her band, which include Great Lake Swimmers' guitarist Erik Arnesen and Allison Stewart on viola, plays Run in my clip below, captured at the VFMF.



Upcoming tour dates:
Sept 19, 2009 20:00
The Grad Club
Kingston, Ontario

Sept. 23, 2009 20:00
St James Hall
Vancouver, British Columbia

In case any of you Kingston-ites and Vancouverites are not totally convinced you should come out, check out the playful video below for her single In The Night.

New Video: The Danks - Planet Beach

The Danks - Planet Beach



Planet Beach Music Video, by The Danks. Directed by Richie Mitchell. Production by Lithium Studios and Around 130,000 Productions. Album title: Are You Afraid Of The Danks?

Get more Dank's at thedanks.com

New Video: Ohbijou - New Years

A new video for Ohbijou's song "New Years" from the album Beacons. Since Ohbijou were nice enough to put the full credits for the video on their Myspace Blog so will we - after the video of course because that's where credits go.

Ohbijou - New Years



Created By: Exploding Motor Car
Producer: Geoff Mclean
Production Company: Vision Film Co
Animation Director: Brett Long
Stop Motion Animator: Mike Weiss
Production Designers: Winston Hacking, Jeff Garcia, Daijaro Hama
DP: Barry Cheong
Editor: Marc De Pape
Post FX: Jesse Ewles
Makeup: Kenji Sato
Sets+Prop Builders: Martin Macpherson, Jay Graham

Special Thanks to these GREAT people for their help:
Ohbijou
Drew Fortier
James Long
Little Song
Gianni Fusco
Ian Carleton
Tanya Philipovich
Devon Anderson
Geoff Fitzgerald
The Hacking Family
The Long Family
Mark Stevenson
Justin Lovell/Frame Discreet
Christopher Mills

New Champion Video: Alive Again

You can get a copy of this song for free through Chamion's Myspace you can get the whole album Resistance on September 15!

Champion: Alive Again from Bonsound on Vimeo.

Young Rival: New Video, Tour Dates & Guitar Fishing

Hamiton's Young Rival have completed work on their full length debut. It's not out yet but they are taking to the road anyway to test out the new material (dates are below). While you wait for them to get to your town you can watch their brand new video for "Your Island" and if you still have time you can head over to http://youngrival.com/guitarfishing/ for some guitar fishing! What says summer in Canada better than Guitar Fishing?

Young Rival - Your Island



Tour Dates:

Young Rival Tour Dates
Aug 12 - Sault Ste Marie - Arcadia House
Aug 14 - Winnipeg - Lo Pub
Aug 15 - Regina - The Distrikt
Aug 18 - Medicine Hat - Ottoman Lounge
Aug 19 - Lethbridge - The Slice
Aug 20 - Calgary - Broken City
Aug 21 - Canmore - Canmore Hotel
Aug 22 - Fernie - The Bulldog
Aug 24 - Kelowna - Blue Gator
Aug 26 - Duncan - Duncan Garage Showroom
Aug 27 - Victoria - Logan's
Aug 28 - Vancouver - PUB 340
Aug 29 - Nelson - Finley's
Aug 30 - Banff - Rose and Crown
Aug 31 - Banff - Rose and Crown
Sep 2 - Edmonton - The Black Dog
Sep 3 - Saskatoon - Lydia's
Sep 5 - Thunder Bay - The Apollo
Sep 18 - Windsor - Phog Lounge
Sep 24 - Peterborough - The Red Dog
Sep 25 - Sudbury - The Townehouse

Hidden Cameras 'In the NA' Now Available

The Hidden Cameras new EP In the NA is available now in the Arts & Crafts Store for $3.99 - you can also stay in the loop with Hidden Cameras goings on by joining the Mild Mannered Army.

Hidden Cameras - In the NA

Video: Justin Rutledge - Penny for the Band

Uploaded by 6 Shooter this morning from "Man Descending"

Justin Rutledge - Penny For The Band

New Video: The Wind Whistles - Turtle

Ok, I liked The Wind Whistles before but now I think it's love! Watch this and love them too.

The Wind Whistles - Turtle



Download 'Turtle' and make your MP3 player happy.

Catch The Wind Whistles Live at:

15 Jul 2009 20:00
Vera Groningen
18 Jul 2009 20:00
Woody Bash Festival @ Hasenschaukel Hamburg
20 Jul 2009 20:00
Bautzner Tor Dresden
23 Jul 2009 20:00
Schröder Göttingen
24 Jul 2009 20:00
Cafe Arte w/ a Humming from the Wood Uslar
25 Jul 2009 20:00
Limes Cologne
28 Jul 2009 20:00
Akkoestisch Podium w/ Paper Tiger Gorichem
31 Jul 2009 20:00
Willemeen Arnhem
1 Aug 2009 20:00
House Concert Stuttgart
6 Aug 2009 20:00
indie music festival w/ Paper Tiger, Sofas-OTD, SAT Carpi
7 Aug 2009 20:00
close to the beach? w/ Paper Tiger, Sofas-OTD, SAT Rimini
11 Aug 2009 20:00
Clubkeller Frankfurt
14 Aug 2009 21:00
The Cambie w/ Painted Cities Nanaimo, British Columbia
15 Aug 2009 21:00
Logan’s w/ Painted Cities Victoria, British Columbia
17 Aug 2009 21:00
CD RELEASE! @ The Biltmore w/ E.S.L., The Greenbelt Collective, Falcao and Monashee Vancouver, British Columbia
22 Aug 2009 20:00
House show Port Coquitlam
23 Aug 2009 12:00
Coquitlam Farmer’s Market Port Moody, British Columbia
28 Aug 2009 19:00
Fireside Cafe Surrey, British Columbia
30 Aug 2009 1:00
Music in the Park @ Lion’s Park Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
3 Sep 2009 21:00
Broken City w/ Beija Flor, Paper Tiger Calgary, Alberta
5 Sep 2009 21:00
Auditorium Hotel w/ Paper Tiger Nanton, Alberta
6 Sep 2009 21:00
Lydia’s w/ Paper Tiger Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
7 Sep 2009 21:00
The Club (@ the Exchange) w/ Paper Tiger Regina, Saskatchewan
8 Sep 2009 21:00
Royal Albert w/ Magnificent Sevens, Paper Tiger Winnipeg, Manitoba
9 Sep 2009 21:00
The Apollo w/ Paper Tiger Thunder Bay, Ontario
10 Sep 2009 21:00
Loplops w/ Paper Tiger Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
12 Sep 2009 21:00
Rancho Relaxo w/ Paper Tiger Toronto, Ontario
13 Sep 2009 21:00
Casbah Lounge w/ Paper Tiger Hamilton, Ontario
14 Sep 2009 21:00
The Boat w/ Paper Tiger Toronto, Ontario
15 Sep 2009 21:00
The Spill w/ Paper Tiger Peterborough, Ontario
17 Sep 2009 21:00
Le Divan Orange w/ The Unsettlers + Paper Tiger Montreal, Quebec
18 Sep 2009 20:00
The Treatment Room w/ Paper Tiger Montreal, Quebec
20 Sep 2009 21:00
Café Bar L’AgitéE w/ Paper Tiger St-Roch, Quebec
22 Sep 2009 21:00
Baba’s w/ Paper Tiger Charlottetown, Prince Edward
23 Sep 2009 21:00
Struts Gallery w/ Paper Tiger Sackville, New Brunswick
24 Sep 2009 21:00
Gus’s Pub w/ Paper Tiger Halifax, Nova Scotia
25 Sep 2009 20:00
Casa De Eva (house show) w/ Paper Tiger Seaforth, Nova Scotia
26 Sep 2009 20:00
The Ampersand w/ New Royalty, Paper Tiger Charlottetown, Prince Edward
27 Sep 2009 21:00
Crumbs w/ Paper Tiger Fredericton, New Brunswick
29 Sep 2009 21:00
Bar St. Laurent w/ Jane Vain, Paper Tiger, Special Noise Montreal, Quebec
2 Oct 2009 20:00
Townehouse w/ Paper Tiger Sudbury, Ontario
3 Oct 2009 21:00
The Apollo w/ The Emily Fenner Band, Paper Tiger Thunder Bay, Ontario

A Julie Doiron Fix For You

Yestday The Phonetic Elephant posted Julie Doiron's new video for "Consolation Prize" to our blog. Last week I posted Julie and Friends at the CBC Songwriters Circle in Ottawa, but for those of you who still want more: We've got you covered.

First, in case you haven't seen it there's the video that Rick White did for Julie's song "Heavy Snow"



For those of you who have already seen that, did you catch - Julie's Tiny Desk Concert at NPR? How about Her SXSW Session at Daytrotter? How about her Sept 16, 2007 show at the Jane Bond in Waterloo Ont? (Here's Part 2).

If you already have all of this, sorry for bothering you but someone asked if I did - so I thought I'd ask you all too.

Make a video for Metric

Via Metric's MySpace.

"If you’ve ever wanted to make a music video for METRIC, here’s your chance! Dailymotion.com is running a contest where you can enter your own video for “Sick Muse”. We will choose the winning video, and dailymotion.com is providing a happening prize package! Check out “How To Enter” for more details… the contest ends August 4th. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

xox metriclovesyou"

Whether you love them back or not, can you make a good video?

Video: Jenn Grant - Heartbreaker

New video from Jenn Grant for 'Hearbreaker' from her album Echoes

Machetes First Video : Fifi

Toronto's Machetes are still hanging about in the UK I think but they have sent back their first ever music video

"Shot in London's Canary wharf and surrounding areas a dark tale of espionage and assassination starring Machetes as undercover agents. Sent on missions to kill each other in the most violent of way."

Machetes - Fifi

Video from Danny Michel

First some of you may have missed this It came out 2 days after xmas 2008. This is the official video for Danny Michel's 'Feather, Fur and Fin'



These are some samples of what Danny's live show is like (with the Camptown Racers) - they were posted to Danny's YouTube Channel (you should subscribe!)
http://www.youtube.com/user/dannymichel

Danny Michel & The Camp Town Racers "Feather, Fur & Fin"



Danny Michel & The Camp Town Racers "Rye Whiskey & Wine"



Danny Michel & The Camp Town Racers - Sweet Things



There is a TON more at http://www.youtube.com/user/dannymichel - seriously go there. Danny has been 'Canada's best kept secret' for way too long. Time to let people in on it.

New Gentleman Reg Video: Rewind

As introduced by Reg on his Myspace Blog

"We have another video for your viewing pleasure.
Shot on VHS in last summers heat in the cheapest motel we could find.
Finally we are releasing it to the online world.
Shot by Iris Fraser and directed by Victoria Cheong, both of whom i've worked with on past videos.

For the song Rewind off of our Jet Black album.
Starring myself, Greg Millson, and Katie Sketch.
Very simple concept for a very simple look."

Gentleman Reg - Rewind

Video: Most Serene Republic - The Old Forever New Things

A "fan video by Jerome" that Arts and Crafts like enough to include it in their YouTube Channel - from the (as yet unreleased) album ...And The Ever Expanding Universe available July 14, 2009

The Most Serene Republic - The Old Forever New Things

New Video: Joel Plaskett - Through and Through and Through

Apparently there was some disappointment about East Coast artists that were skipped by the Polaris Jury (NxEW has a lot of East Coast stuff in our fake polaris poll, go vote). Fortunately though one of Eastern Canada's biggest supporters and one of Canada's greatest treasures - Joel Plakett has come through with a video with some beautiful East Coast scenery for the song Through and Through and Through. Also, if you don't already have it grab this free Joel Plaskett concert from Radio 3 to help summerfy your mp3 player!

New Video from Sunparlour Players

A new video for the song North from the Sunparlour Players new album 'Wave North' directed by Ed Gass Donnely (director of 'This Beautiful City).



Upcoming Tour Dates

June 11 PETERBOROUGH Montreal House
June 12 MONTREAL, PQ Cagibi's
June 13 WAKEFIELD, PQ Blacksheep Inn
June 19-21 DRIFTPILE VALLEY SITE, AB
North Country Fair
June 25 GUELPH, ON Ebar
June 26 TORONTO, ON Horseshoe Tavern
July 12 OTTAWA, ON Ottawa BluesFest
July 17 SUDBURY, ON River and Sky Festival
July 18 SAULT STE MARIE, ON RotaryFest
July 24 - 26 GUELPH Hillside Festival
Aug 15 ALYMER, ON Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic
Aug 16 LEAMINGTON Farm Party

New Video from Lioness and Beast

The video for "You're My Heart" by Toronto's Lioness is described as "an homage to German expressionism of the early 20th century (Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" directed by Jeff Scheven:



Meanwhile back at the Batcave (Monteal) Best has just finished the second video from their self titled debut. "Out of Control"



If the voice in Beast sounds familiar, it might be because Betty Bonifassi did the vocals for Champion's classic "No Heaven"

Arkells: Balad of Hugo Chaves (the Making Of)

Via the Arkells Myspace Blog:

"Hey! Hey! Hey!

Here is a little sneak peak of our new video for "ballad of hugo chavez"

unfortunately we didnt get permission (or the funding) to fly to Venezuela and shoot the breeze with Mr. Chavez, so we settled for a movie studio with fancy lights. Works for us!"

Oh My My (Jill Barber Video)

New video for Jill Barber's amazing 'Oh My My'




and a live performance of the same song with Jill's brother Matt

Katie Stelmanis - Believe Me

Video for Katie Stelmanis - Believe Me



Katie is currently touring the UK but, in case you're headed that way:

June 3 Birmingham, England @ Hare & Hounds
June 4 London, England @ The Fly Bar
June 8 London, England @ The Windmill w/Fol Chen
June 15 London, England @ The Lexington
June 17 London, England @ Monto Water Rats Theatre
June 18 London, England @ Barden's Boudoir
June 19 Bath, England @ Moles Porter cellarBAR
June 23 Nottingham, England @ Seven
July 3 Brighton, England @ New Hero
July 7 Glasgow, Scotland @ The Flying Duck
July 8 Liverpool, England @ TBA
July 9 Bristol, England @ The Cooler w/Telepathe
July 10 Cardiff, Wales @ Buffalo Bar w/Telepathe
July 11 Reading, England @ South Street

New Video from Brent Randall and the Pinecones

Brent Randall & His Pinecones - Strangelove (Don't Be Lazy)



You can grab an Mp3 of this song right here and catch Brent Randall & His Pinecones in these places:

May 28 – Charlottetown, PE @ Baba's
May 30 – Halifax, NS @ St. Matt's
June 15 – Ottawa, ON - @ Zaphod's
June 19 – Toronto, ON – NXNE Showcase @ The Cameron House – 1 AM

Rock Plaza Central, Hayden, Grand Analog Drop New Albums Today

I've mentioned the new Rock Plaza Central album several times already so I'll just quickly remind you that 'At the Moment of our Most Needing, or If Only They Could Turn Around They Would Know They Weren't Alone' is out today, on Digital, CD and Vinyl.



Hayden's 'The Place Where We Lived' about which I know very little, also dropped today. It will reportedly be available on Vinyl also in Mid-June.



Finally , even people who 'don't like hip hop' love Grand Analog - seriously a Grand Analog live show would make Dick Cheney bounce and 'Metropolis is Burning' is also available pretty much everywhere today.

Grand Analog - Her Daddy (Don't Like Me)

You Should Know: Dance Yourself to Death

No band ever really comes out of nowhere. Although Dance Yourself to Death is pretty new to me, that is my fault. They've actually been around since 2005 and have appeared in the Elton John produced film "It's A Boy Girl Thing". In terms of the band's energy and style they remind me a bit of early Go Go's. Even their video (below) has a bit of that feel to it. You can check out Dance Yourself To Death on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter or in Toronto at the Rivoli (June 23) or Pride Toronto (June 27 - details tba). There is also an interview with the band about their past, present and future at AfterEllen.com.

Dance Yourself to Death: "We Are All Made of Stone"

New In Flight Safety Video

A new video from In-Flight Safety Directed by Drew Lightfoot for the song Model Homes. In order to create the proper CGI effects for the video the band was required to go deeper into the world of make-up than they were expecting: "Drew had alluded to the fact that we'd be wearing some eyeliner for this shoot, but nothing prepared us a full-on Norwegian Black Metal band makeover," claims singer, John Mullane. "We spent the entire shoot looking like members of the Cure circa 1988...and having no idea how to wash it off, it was a look we all had to live with for a few days."



Grab a few freebies from In-Flight Safety's album 'We Are An Empire My Dear"

the Warnign
Model Homes

First Video Ever! Tonka & Puma

You might remember them from Mixtape Podcast #3 or from the first Daps Duo show at Rolly's Garage in Toronto (though if you were there you likely know them anyway.) You might also know DapsDuo (a.k.a. Tonka & Puma) from their occasional posts here at NxEW. Whether you remember them from anywhere or not though here is Tonka & Puma's first video ever: "Tonka Puma Video #1 -When We Met filmed, directed, edited by Craig Orrett Toronto 2009 Rolly's Garage, Sorauren Park, junction jam space"

TonkaPuma WhenWeMetVideo

Patrick Watson Directs Fireweed Video

New video for the song "Fireweed" from Patrick Watson's new album Wooden Arms - Patrick Watson directed the video as well.

Mean Red Spiders - Secret

New video from Toronto's Mean Red Spiders. The Spiders have shows coming up at Sneaky Dee's on May 15 and at the Boat on June 12.

Mean Red Spiders - Secret

New Ghost is Dancing Video

Toronto's Ghost is Dancing is currently touring the US, in Lexington, Kentucky tonight and then after that:

10 May Garfield Artworks Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
11 May 2009 Wilbert’s Cleveland, Ohio
12 May 2009 Manhattan Room Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
13 May 2009 Millcreek Tavern Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
14 May Goodbye Blue Mondays Brooklyn, New York
15 May Fontana’s [ w/ Spiral Beach ] New York, New York
21 May Sneaky Dee’s - Over the Top Fest Toronto, Ontario
12 Jun The Gordon Best Theatre - Gordon Best Music Series Peterborough, Ontario
13 Jun 2009 Zaphod Beeblebrox Ottawa, Ontario
19 Jun 2009 Velvet Underground - NXNE Toronto, Ontario

Despite being on the road they've managed to put together a new video!

the Ghost is Dancing - Without Friends

The Ghost is Dancing - Without Friends from Jon S. on Vimeo.

New Video: Christa Couture - Nothing's Changed

A brand new video from Christa Couture for the song "Nothing's Changed". On her Myspace blog Couture says:

"'Nothing's Changed' is a song about failing my personal growth homework" says Couture of the second single from her album "The Wedding Singer and The Undertaker". When meeting with Vancouver director and animator Belinda Fung, who created the music video for the song, Couture gave her just that bit of insight and handed over all creative control. "I love working with visual artists, animators, filmmakers. Giving a song of mine to someone and allowing them to take whatever direction they are inspired to is, in turn, very inspiring to me".

What Fung created is a layered and charming, yet bittersweet animated story that is set in a retro video game world. Starting at "Game Over", the character runs the game in reverse, retracing her steps, losing experience and repairing the broken heart that led to her demise - ultimately finding herself back at the beginning.

You can pick up Christa's album The Wedding Singer and the Undertaker on Zunior - that album also contains (the Chrisa Couture song you're most likely to know):

Sad Story Over


(download)

You can also catch an Interview with Christa on Episode 102 of the Bob and AJ Show.

Christa Couture - Nothing's Changed

New Video: Immaculate Machine - Sound the Alarms

Victoria's Immaculate Machine with the first video from their new album High on Jackson Hill. According to Mint Records Immaculate Machine front man Brooke Gallupe's sister, Caitlin (playing bass on this song) did the paintings used in this video and all of the band's album covers to date.

Immaculate Machine - Sound the Alarms

Plight of the Urban Yeti

Canada is supposed to be a tolerant, multicultural country. Usually it is, but what about the Yeti? This video from Peterborough's Patrick Walsh explores the plight of this misunderstood creature. (Someone should start a fund.)

Yeti in the city

Videos from Ronley Teper and Davide Di Saro'

A couple of gorgeous music videos that Davide Di Saro' did for Toronto's Ronley Teper.

Faith



Rose

Bell Orchestre Video : Stripes

Sadly not much news on the Bell Orcheste front - their next scheduled Canadian dates are at the Winnipeg Folk Festival July 10-11 but, in the meantime they have dropped this stunning video Directed by Cassandra C. Jones:

Bell Orchestre - Stripes

The Dears: Tour Dates, Video, Free Download

The Dears are kicking of a new tour that will see them hit Toronto and a bunch of spots in western Canada. Accompanying their performance are layers of beautiful animations. The video (below) will give you an idea of what that looks like but before you watch that you might want to head over to the Singing Lamb to read Natalia Yanchak's recent interview and then hit Natalia's blog for a free download of Half Mast. As an aside, I know the Dears have are huge fans of Morrisey buy, at least since the Smiths broke up, Morrisey has never been as good as the Dears are now. Catch the dears at

April 30 - Toronto @ Mod Club
May 29 - Victoria @ Sugar Nightclub
May 30 - Vancouver @ Richard's On Richards
May 31 - Kelowna @ Habitat
June 2 - Calgary @ Theatre Junction Grand
June 3 - Edmonton @ Starlite Room
June 4 - Saskatoon @ Amigos
June 5 - Regina @ The Distrikt
June 6 - Winnipeg @ West End Cultural Centre

the Dears - Disclaimer

Gentleman Reg: Video and Tour Dates

Gentleman Reg is coming - if you're in Ottawa he's coming tomorrow! A nice long list of tour dates is below. This album (Jet Black) and tour have been a long, long time in coming so turn out and show him some love (and listen for him on Friday's Mixtape podcast!) But first, another new video!








Gentleman Reg - We're in a Thunderstorm




4/22 Ottawa, ON - Zaphod’ (1)
4/23 Kingston, ON - The Living Room
4/24 Guelph, ON - Albion Hotel
4/25 Waterloo, ON - Starlight Room
4/27 Hamilton, ON - The Casbah
4/29 London, ON - Call The Office
5/3 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
5/8 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom (2)
5/9 Victoria, BC - Sugar Nightclub (2)
5/11 Calgary, AB - MacEwan Ballroom (2)
5/12 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room (2)
5/14 Saskatoon, SK - Louis’ Pub (2)
5/15 Regina, SK - The Drink (2)
5/16 Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre at The Marlborough (2)
5/26 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom (3)
5/27 Cambridge, MA - Middle East (3)
5/28 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club (3)
5/30 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's (3)
5/31 Montreal, PQ - Les Saints (3)
6/1 Toronto, ON - Mod Club (3)
6/3 Chicago, IL - Double Door (3)
6/4 Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line Cafe (3)
6/5 Kansas City, MO - Record Bar (3)
6/6 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre (3)
6/8 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court (3)
6/10 Vancouver, BC - Richard's On Richards (3)
6/11 Seattle, WA - The Crocodile (3)
6/12 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge (3)
6/14 San Francisco, CA - Independent (3)
6/15 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour (3)
6/27 Toronto, ON - PRIDE Toronto –South Stage, 9 p.m.
7/10-11 Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Folk Festival

(1) with Spiral Beach
(2) wtih The Stills
(3) with A Camp

Spooky Ruben vs. Dirty Penny

I have yet to catch one of their live shows but I'm really intrigued by Toronto's Dirty Penny. Now Magazine, in November 2008 described them as "...a Quebecois Hugh Laurie doing a bad Don Knotts impression backed by a Lebanese wedding band who learned to play alt-rock from Watchmen videos." High praise indeed! Their lyrics are quirky on a level that could maybe only be fully appreciated by the Flaming Lips and a musical style that always reminds me of Lou Reed/Velvet Underground. Have a listen, for example, to Bubblejuice:


(You can grab a free copy of this song and some others here.)

Now their friend Spookey Ruben has taken a crack at a Dirty Penny video that seems to capture the essence of the band well - in just under 90 seconds:

Declined

Superfantastics Video - Turn On Me

Brand new video from a duo that I absolutely love: Halifax's Superfantastics!

Turn On Me

New Gentleman Reg Video: To Some It Comes Easy

"To Some it Comes Easy" is the first video off of Gentleman Reg's new album Jet Black. From his Myspace Blog:

"Video number one.
It's time.
With three in the can and yet another shoot tomorrow beginning at 8am...it's time to put some of the beautiful visuals meshed with music out into the world.

This one was conceived of, shot, directed, and stars, Anthony Schrag and Alice Finbow.
Our first collaboration together, but not theirs.
Collaboration through emails.
Me in toronto, them in Glasgow and London.
I wish i'd been there with them, but i wasn't.

This is their baby. The credit and silliness goes to them.
I love it.
I wanna be physical too.

check them out.
anthonyschrag.com
alicefinbow.com"

To Some It Comes Easy

Mind Crumb: New Video from Shotgun Jimmie

Shotgun Jimmie's new album "Still Jimmie" has been getting some pretty decent press:

ffwd:

"A similar vibe of cheerful nonchalance comes across on Still Jimmie, the Sackville, New Brunswick native’s latest collection of slacker rock tunes with a tinge of twang. Built to Spill, Pavement’s “Range Life” and Psychic Hearts-era Thurston Moore are all comparisons that come to mind when listening to these 12 songs, highlighted by the rollicking “Louis Depson” and organ-drenched closer “Tread Water.”

Chartattack

"The album, which also features Constantine Steve Lambke and guest vocals from $100's Simone Fornow, has the rambling, lo-fi indie rock feel of a Pavement record — so much so that it's difficult at times to tell Jimmie's voice apart from Stephen Malkmus'. "

etc,, etc., Mind Crumb is the first video from Still Jimmie (grab a copy on Zunior.)