The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night

There’s an argument floating around that Vancouver is the new Montreal. And while Vancouver is churning out more great albums than ever, Montreal is putting up quite the fight. The latest offering from Quebec is the third album from The Besnard Lakes. Formed by husband and wife team Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas, they signed to Jagjaguwar in 2007 for their very successful second album, “The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse”, for which they received a nomination for that year’s Polaris prize. In 2010, they have returned with “Are The Roaring Night”, which once again engages you with dreamy harmonies and sweeping melodies, drawing easy but flattering comparisons to the Beach Boys, My Bloody Valentine, and Caribou. Your move, Vancouver. The Besnard Lakes perform live at Criminal Records on Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30pm.

Broken Bells

James Russell Mercer is a guitar player and vocalist, and is the front man of The Shins. Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton is a genre-hopping musician and producer. Combine the two, and you get Broken Bells. While this may seem like an unlikely pairing from Mercer’s perspective, this is hardly new ground for Danger Mouse, who has recently produced albums for both Beck and The Black Keys. The two started recording at Burton’s studio in 2008, and in December 2009 released their first single, “The High Road”. And with the release of their self-titled debut, fans of both artists can now finally hear the project that was kept so secret for over a year.

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

It’s not easy being a virtual band. When Blur’s Damon Albarn and comic book author Jamie Hewlett teamed up in 1998, they created something far larger than life. Unlike bands like Kiss or Slipknot who hide behind masks and alter egos, Gorillaz has the freedom to evolve into whatever its creators want it to be. In the case of Gorillaz, this includes elaborate back-stories, websites, and implementing unique technology to create live spectacles. With “Plastic Beach” being their first studio album in five years (and third studio album to date), Gorillaz are back, and doing what they do best – writing songs with hooks, while being backed by a stable of special guests, including Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, and De La Soul.

Jason Collett – Rat A Tat Tat

In the world of Broken Social Scene, straying from the nest seems to be encouraged. And with the safety blanket that is Arts & Crafts, members have an outlet to do so without straying too far from home. It’s like teens with cool parents who let them party in the basement with their friends. As an avid participant in Radio Mondays some ten years ago, Collett became acquainted with many other musicians, including Andrew Cash, The Weakerthans, and many members of the soon to be Broken Social Scene. Since then, Collett has been releasing a steady stream of solo records. “Rat A Tat Tat” is Collett’s fifth solo album, and is produced by label mates (and backing band) Zeus.

Ghostkeeper – Ghostkeeper

There is simplicity to Ghostkeeper that is refreshing and pure. When many bands are constantly layering on more and more, Ghostkeeper strip their music to its bones, and parade them around with jubilance. Shane Ghostkeeper and Sarah Houle spent their youth steeping in folk and blues records. While based in Calgary, the group’s origins come from the true great white north – a small Métis community in northern Alberta. Their self-titled debut is released on Flemish Eye, home to Chad Van Gaalen and Women. Ghostkeeper perform live at Criminal Records on Friday, March 12th at 7:00pm (w/ The Balconies)

Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me.

By the way fans talk about singer/songwriter (and most importantly) harpist Joanna Newsom, you’d swear she’s a veteran. But in reality, she is still quite the fresh face. “Have One On Me” is her third official album, but really she wants you to have three. That’s right, it’s a triple. Newsom has described it as a combination of her previous two albums, “The Milk Eyed Mender” and “Ys”. On a fundamental level, she’s right. Like its predecessors, it is rich with whimsical meanderings and songs that clock longer that your average pop tune. But where it differs can be found in the four odd years taken since her last release. Label: Drag City

Holly Miranda – The Magician’s Private Library

Holly Miranda – get used to that name, because I have a sneaking suspicion you’ll be hearing it a lot. Self taught on piano and trumpet, Miranda dropped out of her Michigan high school and set her sights on New York City. Upon arrival, Miranda had been recording and performing under her own name, and most notably as The Jealous Girlfriends with keyboardist Alex Lipsen. On “The Magician’s Private Library”, she has received helping hands from fellow New Yorkers, TV On The Radio, and it really pairs well. The album is a sonic mass, bursting with strings, horns, and percussion. Miranda shows great potential, and it will be exciting to see where she goes from here. Label: XL

Efterklang – Magic Chairs

When some people think of Denmark’s contribution to music, they go straight to Aqua (remember Barbie Girl?) But that is just wrong. Denmark has brought us other musical delights, such as Mew, The Kissaway Trail, The Raveonettes, and Efterklang. Since their formation in 2000, Efterklang have been performing their own brand of electronic-infused alternative folk (if there is such a thing), slowly releasing albums, and touring the world. Their latest, and possibly most accessible album, entitled “Magic Chairs”, features 10 songs that provide an excellent starting point for someone hearing the band for the first time, and is a fine rebuttal to those who still bring up Aqua. Label: 4AD

Shearwater – Golden Archipelago

Shearwater, like so many bands, started as a side project. Will Sheff and Jonathan Meiburg of Okkervil River needed an outlet for their “quieter” songs. And while their songs indeed differ from Okkervil, they are far from quiet. “Golden Archipelago” is their sixth album in 10 years. And Meiburg’s departure from Okkervil River in 2008 to focus on Shearwater indicates that maybe Shearwater isn’t just another side project after all. Label: Matador

Mumford And Sons – Sigh No More

For some (namely the Brits), Mumford And Sons at this point might be old news. This London based quartet have been the pride of BBC for well over a year now, plucked from the same crop that has given us Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn and Noah and the Whale. But what helps Mumford And Sons stand out is that all members add vocals to create a wall of harmony. For fans, “Sign No More” will be a tangible package to house the songs they’ve grown to love in recent years. For newcomers, it makes a fine introduction.

Thee Silver Mount Zion Memorial Orchestra – Kollaps Tradixionales

To most, they are simply referred to as “Silver Mount Zion”, as the constant variances on their name can be a bit hard to keep track of. And their music varies from album to album about as much as their name does. Since 1999, Silver Mount Zion have been a heavy hitter for the prominent and revered label, Constellation. Forming in Montreal, the band has released six full lengths and an EP. Work on their latest, “Kollaps Tradixionales”, started almost a year ago, so those who their last tour were not only treated to new material, but have a good idea of what is in store.

Peter Gabriel – Scratch My Back

If music had a pope, it would be Peter Gabriel. Some may argue, sure. But if you’re a pope, you’re infallible. And while “Scratch My Back”, Gabriel’s much anticipated covers album is certainly not perfect. Some covers might fall a bit flat, but it’s highlights (namely Bon Iver’s “Flume”) are certainly enough to make it worthwhile. Besides, its symphonic mastery is so epic that if you were to meet him face to face, you’d probably bow. (Stay tuned for “I’ll Scratch Yours”, featuring the artists Gabriel covers, covering him.)

Tindersticks – Falling Down A Mountain

The Tindersticks are one of those bands that have been under your nose for years, and you just never knew it. They’ve been kicking around England and the world for almost 20 years, and popping up everywhere like a venerable game of whack-a-mole. Depending on what you count, they have anywhere from eight to twenty-plus albums, and are showing no signs of slowing down

Lightspeed Champion – Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You

Lighspeed Champion is Devonte Hynes, a musician, a producer, an author, songwriter and composer. And he works hard to earn each one of those titles. He’s written songs for The Chemical Brothers, Florence and the Machine, and Solange Knowles. He has also released a handful of comics and short stories. And now, he’s back with “Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You”, an album highly anticipated after his very successful 2008 debut.

Magnetic Fields – Realism

“Realism” may have been released as a companion album to 2008’s “Distortion”, but don’t expect them to be similar.  In fact, in many ways, they’re the exact opposite.  The Magnetic Fields are known for concept albums – perhaps their most notorious work is their epic triple “69 Love Songs”.   And where “Distortion” was, well… distorted, “Realism” is primarily acoustic and folk-driven.  Perhaps the only constant for The Magnetic Fields is front man Stephin Merritt, whose songwriting is always top notch, and his baritone voice that reminds you from album to album that it’s still the same band. Label: Nonesuch

The Album Leaf – A Chorus of Storytellers

For just over a decade, The Album Leaf has slowly been growing from its side-project beginnings.   Their first album, “An Orchestrated Rise To Fall (1998)”, were mere improvisations on piano accompanied by a drum machine.   When Jon Birgisson of Sigur Ros bought the album in 2001, he invited them to open for them on their US tour.  In 2004, The Album Leaf signed to Subpop Records, and since then, have steadily increased their fan base.  Now in 2010, The Album Leaf are releasing “A Chorus of Storytellers”, and maintaining their state of evolution, is the first album they recorded with a live band. Label: Sub Pop

Hot Chip – One Life Stand

Hot Chip are not what you would call categorical.  While they may be defined as electro-pop, their sound incorporates elements of jazz, house, and rock, amongst a royal smattering of others.  They’re also not known for taking their time, releasing a steady stream of albums, EPs, singles, remixes, and covers.  “One Life Stand”, their fourth album, might be a little more chill that its predecessors, but still offers up a disc jockey’s dream of infectious experimental pop tunes. Label: EMI

Midlake – Courage Of Others

For some reason, some of the best musical acts on earth get their big break overseas before developing buzz back home.   Such was the case for Midlake, a Texas-based band who first found success in Europe before America.  Since forming in 1999, Midlake have released only three albums (including their latest, “Courage Of Others”).  And despite their jazz based roots, Midlake’s sound is a heavenly blend of psych and folk rock.  The sum of their efforts can best be described as epic and timeless.   And considering how well they fit the current landscape of indie music, are very underrated. Label: Bella Union

Bassekou Kouyate – I Speak Fula

Let’s face it.  Despite Peter Gabriel’s best efforts, music in the western world is very exclusionary – so much so, that we manufactured the genre “world music” to file stuff not of the first world.   But perhaps that is starting to change.   We saw change in the form of M.I.A. becoming an international sensation (okay, she wasn’t born in Sri Lanka, but has certainly embraced her roots).  And in a new surprising twist, Bassekou Kouyate of Mali is releasing “I Speak Fula” through grunge-come-indie label Sub Pop.   Kouyate has been forging a trail into the western world for some time, performing with the likes of Carlos Santana and U2, and with “I Speak Fula”, is that much closer to becoming a household name. Label: Sub Pop

Basia Bulat – Heart Of My Own

Basia is back to put smiles on faces with her sophomore album, “Heart Of My Own”.  Making a name for herself with genuine stage presence and her ability to feel at ease on a multitude of instruments (most notably the autoharp), Bulat first made waves with her debut, “Oh My Darling”, released on Hayden’s Hardwood Records in 2007.  Over the past few years, she’s toured extensively in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australia, and was nominated for the Polaris Prize in 2008.  For her follow-up, she has signed to Secret City in Canada, and is once again ready to melt your heart.  Label: Secret City

Fucked Up – 2002-2009: Couple Tracks

At this point, everyone knows about Fucked Up.  They’re the home grown punk band that has a habit of breaking stereotypes and breaking shit – see MTV’s bathroom for proof.   But I’m not sure why they chose to call this rarities comp “Couple Tracks”.  There are lots of tracks – 26 to be precise.   Serving as a follow up to their previous collection, “Epics In Minutes”, this double album comes loaded with hard stuff, fun stuff, and liner notes to help you remember where and when all this stuff came from in the first place.  Label: Matador

Beach House – Teen Dream

Beach House formed in 2004 with instant acclaim.  Their self titled debut was #16 on Pitchfork’s Best of 2006.  Since then, they have remained a perennial favourite of critics, and have continued to grow on their success.  A notable career point includes Victoria Legrand lending her voice to the Grizzly Bear song “Two Weeks”.  In 2010, they release their (almost) new album, “Teen Dream” (the song “Used To Be” was released as a single in 2008).  That being said, “Teen Dream” is an album that their fans will flock to, and will probably attract a few new ones. Label: Subpop

Los Campesinos! – Romance Is Boring

The press release for the latest album by Los Campesinos! claims “Romance is Boring” is their best album to date.  And they may be right.  “Romance is Boring” is officially their second album (the band refers to “We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed” as a 10 song EP), and seems more ambitious than it’s predecessors, even if the songs are about “death and football”.  The album also features Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu.  Label: Arts & Crafts

Woodhands – Remorsecapade

Woodhands are Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt, two guys who seem to have found a way to make electronic music in an organic fashion.   While also serving as members of Henri Faberge and the Adorables,  Woodhands are here with their second full length, “Remorsecapade”, which oozes energy out of every pore, as does their video for CP24. Dance Party!!!  Label: Paper Bag

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Caribou has announced plans to release a new album titled Swim in April. This is Dan Snaith’s first album since 2007’s Andorra, which won the Polaris Music Prize. Recorded in Wales and in a Hamilton studio owned by Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan, Snaith described Swim as, “Dance music that sounds like it’s made out of water, rather than made out of metallic stuff like most dance music does.” In addition to the Junior Boys connection, guest stars are said to include Born Ruffians’ Luke Lalonde. The album comes out April 20th (4/20) which means you can expect Barry Taylor to be ready with a special segment of the 420 snack – incoherent album review edition. A free download of the first track, Odessa is available at the Caribou site.

It has been five years since Murdoc Niccals and co. put out Demon Days, and now details have been released on their upcoming album, Plastic Beach, to be released this March. The lead single “Stylo” will be available for digital download on January 26, and features Mos Def and Bobby Womack. Yesterday we also found out that Gorillaz will be co-headlining this years Coachella music festival.

Plastic Beach track listing:

1. Orchestral Intro (featuring Sinfonia ViVA)
2. Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach (feat. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
3. White Flag (feat. Kano, Bashy and The National Orchestra For Arabic Music)
4. Rhinestone Eyes
5. Stylo (feat. Bobby Womack and Mos Def)
6. Superfast Jellyfish (feat. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)
7. Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)
8. Glitter Freeze (feat. Mark E Smith)
9. Some Kind Of Nature (feat. Lou Reed)
10. On Melancholy Hill
11. Broken
12. Sweepstakes (feat. Mos Def & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)
13. Plastic Beach (feat. Mick Jones & Paul Simonon)
14. To Binge (feat. Little Dragon)
15. Cloud Of Unknowing (feat. Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA)
16. Pirate Jet

Spoon – Transference (Merge)

Austin, Texas native Spoon are back with their seventh full length effort, “Transference”.  Since they first emerged in 1994, Spoon have been steady working their way into the mainstream by continuing to write rock songs with undeniable hooks.  Fans were given a taste of “Transference” in the form of the “Got Nuffin’ EP” released last summer, and their patience is finally rewarded.

Hawksley Workman – Meat (Isadora)

Hawksley Workman doesn’t like to stay in one place, and nowhere is that more evident than on his latest release, “Meat”.  Places he mentions on “Meat” include Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles, Sydney, amongst others.   From a lyrical standpoint, he seems half way between happy-go-lucky and an emotional mess, highlighted on the eight minute epic “You Don’t Just Want To Break Me (You Want To Tear Me Apart)”.  Like his earlier releases, there is a sense of playful creativity, which is welcoming.  And according to the man himself, “this record is meant to be played loud”.  Hawksley is also be releasing a companion album entitled “Milk” digitally, gradually releasing songs over a five month period.

Eels – End Times (Vagrant)

The Eels story is a long and sad one.  Mark Oliver Everett (better known as E) has been recording songs about death, depression, and anything downer since 1992.  Since their debut, “Beautiful Freak”, was released in 1996, E’s sister killed herself, his mother died of cancer, and several of his closest friends also passed away.  Through it all, the Eels have maintained with an ever-changing line up, including John Parish and Lisa Germano, releasing albums sporadically, and maintaining a relentless tour schedule.   Now, the Eels bring us “End Times”, an album “based on themes of broken love”.

Surfer Blood – Astro Coast (Kanine)

Pitchfork buzz band Surfer Blood have arrived on the scene with their debut album, “Astro Coast”.   And they have all the ingredients for success too.  They’ve successfully created their own version of that oh so popular lo-fi indie garage punk sound.  They’ve also worked hard on making a name for themselves, with a non-stop tour schedule and a heightened web presence.   For Surfer Blood, they’re a band that is out to conquer.

Owen Pallett – Heartland

Recently, Owen Pallett decided to retire the “Final Fantasy” name to avoid confusion.  “Heartland” is set for widespread release, including Japan, home of the video game company Square Enix (makers of Final Fantasy, the game).   But there really isn’t much I can tell you about Mr. Pallett that you don’t already know.  You already know that he is one of Canada’s best talents – his album “He Poos Clouds” was the inaugural winner of the Polaris Prize.  You already know that Pallett has worked with the likes of Arcade Fire and Fucked Up.  And thus, you already know that this album is a must own!

Kate Maki – Two Song Wedding

Kate Maki’s new album just wouldn’t be the same if it were released any other time of year.  “Two Song Wedding”, Maki’s fourth album, has a simplistic stripped-down vibe that pairs nicely with January weather.   The subtle details on this album include wisely placed trumpet, vibes, and pedal steel that are provided by an array of guests including Paul Lowman and Dale Murray of Cuff the Duke, as well as the return of Howe Gelb (Gelb co-produced 2008’s “On High”).  The result is something pure, simple, and quite beautiful.

Laura Veirs – July Flame

Some may be surprised to learn that “July Flame” is the seventh full-length release by troubadour Laura Veirs.   Citing the sounds of the woods as her song writing inspiration, and influences ranging from country to feminist punk rock, Veirs has landed somewhere in between.   “July Flame” is jaunty and fun, in the same capacity as fellow Portland residents The Decemberists (with whom she has also collaborated).    July 12^th also marks the date of the re-release of her second album, “The Triumphs and Travails of Orphan Mae”

OK GO – Of The Blue Color Of The Sky

I’ve often wondered how OK Go feels about being famous for their music videos rather than the music itself.   I would imagine they’re happy with it, because they just exude happiness from every poor.  At least they seem to in their video for “Here It Goes Again”, which currently sits just shy of 50 million views on YouTube.   (It also had 9 million paid downloads in 2006, and won them a Grammy).  And after almost five years, they’re releasing “Of The Blue Color Of The Sky”.  And while the new tunes are certainly exuberant, for OK Go, it’s still all about the videos.

Vampire Weekend – Contra

Vampire Weekend are back with their much anticipated sophomore album, “Contra”. After months of relentless hype, including videos, websites, and other leaks, the album is finally here! And while their overall sound hasn’t completely changed (they’re still keeping Paul Simon in heavy rotation), this album seems more evolved, perhaps calculated, which is important. “Contra” will determine if Vampire Weekend are here to stay, or simply one album wonders.



Brooklyn based drone-fueled band Growing have recently signed with Vice Records in anticipation of their new album PUMPS, set to be released on April 6th.

The group formed in Olympia, Washington by Kevin Doria (electric bass guitar), Joe Denardo (electric guitar) and Zach Carlson (drums). Carlson has since left and Sadie Laska joined on samplers/microphone.

This past year the band toured Europe, Asia, and concluded with a spot at the All Tomorrow’s Parties music festival. Previous to signing with Vice, the band has recorded several albums including their debut, The Sky’s Run Into the Sea, which was released on Kranky Records.  A tour for this year will be announced soon.

Listen to Hormone off Pumps:

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