Feistodon - A Commotion

The artwork above was for Feist and Mastodon's Feistodon split 7", which came out on April 21 for Record Store Day. The track below features a crossfade between Feist's original and Mastodon's version of "A Commotion":



Check out the interactive version as well:



- Bryce

Animal Collective - "Today's Supernatural"

Well this is the moment we have all (or I have at least) been waiting for! The first new track from the new Animal Collective album, Centipede Hz; out 09/03/12 internationally and 09/04/12 in the U.S. via Domino. I love the craziness that comes along with this track and the exhaustive vocals from Avey Tare. Ok, enough chat, have a listen.



- Matt

The Killers - Runaways

After nearly a two year hiatus The Killers, have released a new video. The Killers are currently recording their new album Battle Born, and will be releasing it on September 18, 2012. Check out Runaways, below:



- Bryce

What Happens Next? The Dan Mangan Documentry

Dan Mangan will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled What Happens Next? The Dan Mangan Documentary. The film is due to air on CBC TV on August 25 at 7 p.m. PST. A brief official blurb describes the flick like this: "The night before musician Dan Mangan plays the biggest concert of his life, he invites a few close friends over for a poker game and explores the ideas of fate, destiny and the daunting question... what happens next?" Check out the trailer above and tune in August 25th on CBC (courtesy of exclaim.ca)

 - Spencer 

Matt Paxton - "Factory Town"

Bryce and I have been posting new tracks from Matt Paxton, leading to his follow up to How The Land Lies. First off was "Shore Pine Walk" and now "Factory Town" is available for your listening pleasure via soundcloud. The track will be officially released next Tuesday, July 31.



 - Spence

Strand of Oaks - Dark Shores

A little while back I posted a couple tracks from the indie-folk-rock band Strand of Oaks, who is opening for select Tallest Man on Earth dates this fall. Their new album dropped yesterday titled Dark Shores, which I have been listening to all morning, and so far I am really enjoying it. The album is embedded below and you can head to Strand of Oaks Band Camp page to purchase the album.



 - Spence

Andrew Bird - Give It Away (Video)

Check out the latest video from Andrew Bird's most recent album, Break It Yourself. The song is Give It Away, and it features a human pinata at a children's birthday party. What could go wrong...



- Bryce

DIANA - "Born Again"

Here’s a song from DIANA, a group out of Toronto. According to their soundcloud page, they just finished their first album and more tracks are coming soon. Hear another one called "Perpetual Surrender" below. I am really digging their soft pop/disco, echoic sound.



"Perpetual Surrender"

- Matt

Danny Michel & The Benque Players - Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me

Danny Michel announced his new album Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me, which is set for release on September 18, 2012 via Six Shooter Records. The whole album was recorded in Belize and you can learn more from the promotional video below. Also, you can hear the first track from the album What Colour Are You on Danny Michel's Website:



Another video below on how the album was named:



- Bryce

Polaris Prize - Who Could Have Made The Cut?

One of the best things about the Polaris Music Prize is the debate that follows the short list being announced. Before I get into talking about the bands who made the short list, I feel like I should take a moment to talk about some of the bands that arguably could be right up there with the short listers. Here are a couple of the bands that I felt could have fell either way:

Blackie and The Rodeo Kings - Kings and Queens


This album is one of those records that doesn't get as much coverage because it finds itself sitting in the folk/rock/alt-country genre. However, this record was great front to back. You can check out one of my favorites Black Sheep, which features Serena Ryder.



Cannon Bros. - Firecracker/Cloudglow

After seeing the Cannon Bros. during the Sled Island Music Festival this year Firecracker/Cloudglow, became one of my go to albums. This rock duo created an album that is both catchy and raw. I considered them one of the underdogs in the long list and I sure was hoping to see them on the short list this year. Please, stream the album below and buy it!



Dan Mangan - Oh Fortune

Dan's last album Nice, Nice, Very Nice, made it to the short list in 2010 and many people considered this new album to show a lot of growth in his writing. I have to admit, I was surprised to not see his album up there yesterday. However, that being said... the list is pretty damn good this year. You need something really special to get on there. Check out 4 tracks from Oh Fortune, below:



Joel Plaskett Emergency - Scrappy Happiness

If you follow this blog at all, you will know that I posted weekly updates on Scrappy Happiness as Joel recorded the album in 10 weeks. Once the final product was released I was really impressed. I thought Joel made a great rock record... which is really what you can expect from him day in and day out. But, a great rock record might not get you past a list with the caliber of talent that the Polaris long list holds. Nonetheless, check out You're Mine, below:



John K. Samson - Provincial

This was another album that I was hoping would make it to the short list. John K. Samson is an established artist, which I feel sometimes works against the artist. People want to see fresh stuff on the Polaris short list. Saying that, artists like Feist are on the list... Who am I to say who should be on anyways? You can stream the whole album over on Soundcloud or sample a couple songs below.



Patrick Watson - Adventures In Your Own Backyard

This album wasn't necessarily a surprise, but it is the first time a Patrick Watson album has not made the short list. I still love this album and think it can be stacked against his other albums any day. That being said, I think is one of those cases where everyone knows what Patrick Watson is about and this album played into it. Definitely long list material, maybe not short list material. I have provided a couple songs below.



Bry Webb - Provider

I considered Bry Webb's solo effort another one of those underdog albums. This album should have gotten wayyyyyy more press. It was amazing in my opinion and I believe it landed on our top albums of 2011. If Provider made the short list it would have been a surprise to many I am sure. You know the drill.



Honourable Mentions:

Rich Aucoin - We're All Dying To Live
The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence
Yukon Blonde - Tiger Talk

Those were the main albums that I felt could contend with the short list this year. I am excited to see what the Polaris Gala on September 24th brings!

- Bryce

Polaris Music Prize - Short List

The 2012 Polaris Short List has just been announced and here are the 10 Albums that made the cut this year:

Cadence Weapon - Hope In Dirt City
Cold Specks - I Predict A Graceful Expulsion
Drake - Take Care
Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
Feist - Metals
Fucked Up - David Comes to Life
Grimes - Visions
Handsome Furs - Sound Kapital
Japandroids - Celebration Rock
Yamantaka // Sonic Titan

The Polaris Prize Gala will be hosted on September 24th this year and leading up to that date I will be providing an in depth look at each of the nominated albums.

Who are you rooting for this year? Let us know in the comments!

- Bryce

Mother Mother - Let's Fall in Love (Video)

The first single from Mother Mother's upcoming album The Sticks, has just been released. The track is called Let's Fall in Love and you can check out the video from the studio below:



- Bryce

Jack White - Freedom at 21 (Video)

Check out the video for Freedom at 21, which is from Jack White's solo album Blunderbuss.



- Bryce

Purity Ring - "Fineshrine" Video

This is the new video from Purity Ring's "Shrines" called "Fineshrine". I am glad no sternums were cut open for this video. It does show off the bands emotional lyrics. Shrines is out July 24th on 4AD.



- Matt

Mat. McHugh - My Mind Is An Echo Chamber (Acoustic)

Back in April Mat Mchugh released (for free download) Love Come Save Me, which was largely an acoustic album. You should definitely check it out. The album has signified a transition from his Australian roots group The Beautiful Girls, to a solo career where Mat is free to explore whatever genres he may choose.

Today Pine Street Sessions, released a video of an acoustic version of My Mind Is An Echo Chamber, a song from TBG's album Spooks. You can check that out below:



Happy Friday Everyone!

- Bryce

Band of Horses - "Knock Knock"

I'm sure you all remember Band of Horses from their all time classic "The Funeral" which for better or worse, made the gentleman from Seattle indie rock icons. Nonetheless, they have completed their new album Mirage Rock, which is due out September 18th via Sony Music. This is the follow up to 2010's Infinite Arms that I feel was a disappointment, yet the first single "Knock Knock" suggests good things to come from Mirage Rock. Check out the video and soundcloud of the track below.





 - Spence

Dusted - Total Dust

Brian Borcherdt of Toronto's Holy Fuck, has started a new project called Dusted. The album, released on July 10th, is a left turn from the stuff that Holy Fuck has created. The result is an airy, raw, stripped down, rock album that lends itself to laid back rock music lovers. The first single released was called (Into The) Atmosphere, which is below for your streaming pleasure. Also, the whole album Total Dust, is available for streaming on their CBC Music Page and their Bandcamp Page.



Check out a couple album teasers as well:





- Bryce

The Tragically Hip - And Now for Plan A

The Tragically Hip are getting set to release their new album And Now for Plan A, this fall via Universal. The new album will be The Hip's 13th studio album. The first single At Transformation, was released a month ago and you can check that out below:



- Bryce

Hannah Georgas - Enemies

Based out of Vancouver, Hannah Georgas has been creating her brand of pop/rock since the mid-2000s. Her career has already been bolstered by several Juno Nominations and her last album made it onto the Polaris Prize Long List. She is back with a new track today called Enemies and it is the first single off her upcoming self-titled album Hannah Georgas, which will be released on October 2, 2012. You can stream/download the new track below:

- Bryce

Sea Wolf - Old Friend

I have posted several updates on Sea Wolfs' upcoming album release, Old World Romance. The first single has been released and it is called Old Friend. Stream is below:



- Bryce

Taken By Trees - "Dreams"

When I lived in Montreal, I went to see the Swedish group "Taken By Trees". They have a new song out for their upcoming album "Other Words" called "Dreams". Also check out a cover of Animal Collectives "My Girls" called "My Boys", the reason why I became interested in the first place.

"Dreams"

"My Boys"

- Matt

The Walkmen and First Aid Kit Cover The Rolling Stones

The Walkmen and First Aid Kit celebrated the Rolling Stones first ever live gig which was on July 12th 1962 through BBC6 Music by playing a couple of covers. The Walkmen cover Blue Turns to Grey and First Aid Kit do a great rendition of Play With Fire. Both were recorded during a live session. Check them out here:




- Matt

Mistress Barbara Featuring Sam Roberts - "I'm Running"

Sam Roberts teamed up with Canadian DJ and songwriter Mistress Barbara to create "I'm Running". Although this song is a couple years old now I still feel the need to share this brilliant song. Check it out.

 - Spence

Jeremy Fisher - Built To Last (Banjo Version)

Check out this banjo version of the lead single from Jeremy Fishers' new album, Mint Juleps. You can order that album over on his Website.



Stream the album below:

Happy Friday Everyone!

- Bryce

Calgary Stampede - Concert Update

Howdy Cowgirls and Cowboys,

The Calgary Stampede is upon us and the city is already alive celebrating the 100th anniversary of the festival. One thing I love about the Calgary Stampede is that it brings in a ton of live music filling up venues all over the city. This update only touches the surface of what is happening around Calgary over the next ten days. But I can guarantee that nearly every bar will have live music every night. Here is an update on the happenings:

July 5th:

Makeshift Innocence - Coca Cola Stage
Raghav - Coca Cola Stage
The New Cities  - Coca Cola Stage

July 6th:

Our Lady Peace - Coca Cola Stage

July 7th:

Awolnation - Coca Cola Stage
Cuff the Duke - Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club

July 8th:

George Canyon - Coca Cola Stage
Blue Rodeo - The Banff Centre - Shaw Amphitheater, Banff 
Joel Plaskett Emergency - Wildhorse Saloon

July 9th:

Corb Lund - Martha Cohen Theatre
Victoria Duffield - Coca Cola Stage
Karl Wolf - Coca Cola Stage
Danny Fernandes - Coca Cola Stage
K'Naan - Coca Cola Stage
Blue Rodeo - Cowboy's Stampede Tent

July 10th:

Seether - Coca Cola Stage
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson - Martha Cohen Theatre

July 11th:

Elliot Brood w The Bitterweed Draw - Wildhorse Saloon
The Sheepdogs - Coca Cola Stage
The Beach Boys - Scotiabank Saddledome
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson - Martha Cohen Theatre

  
July 12th:

Dragonette - Coca Cola Stage
Carly Rae Jepsen - Coca Cola Stage
Garth Brooks - Scotiabank Saddledome

July 13th:

Simple Plan - Coca Cola Stage
Johnny Reid - Scotiabank Saddledome

July 14th:

The Trews - Coca Cola Stage
Big Sugar - Coca Cola Stage
Brad Paisley - Scotiabank Saddledome
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson - Martha Cohen Theatre

July 15th:

Mother Mother - Coca Cola Stage 
Corb Lund and Ian Tyson - Martha Cohen Theatre

July 16th:

Snoop Dogg - Cowboy's Stampede Tent

There is also lots more country music to be found in Nashville North on the Stampede Grounds.   

- Bryce

Mother Mother - The Sticks

Even though Mother Mother just released their last album Eureka, on March 15th of last year, they are planning on releasing a new album later this year entitled The Sticks. Mother Mother is one of the hottest bands out of Vancouver right now and you can catch them at the Coca-Coca Stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 15th.

Check out the title track below:



- Bryce

Calgary Folk Music Festival

The 2012 Calgary Folk Music Festival is fast approaching and the line up this year is one you will not want to miss. This years festival will run from July 26th - 29th on Calgary's beautiful Prince's Island Park. Below are some artists you should definitely check out if you end up going to the festival. Check out the Full Lineup on the Artist Page.

Beirut
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires
Iron & Wine
Chris Isaak
Leeroy Stagger & the Wildflowers
Jeff Mangum
Dan Mangan
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Rae Spoon
Serena Ryder
Whitehorse

Check out The Head and the Heart, performing Cats and Dogs and Coeur D'Alene at Folk Fest last year:



- Bryce

Cat Power - "Ruin"

It's been about 6 years since Cat Power has released something new, not including her cover album "Jukebox" released in 2008. Well, hear her new song "Ruin" from her upcoming album "Sun" which is set to be released in North America on September 4, 2012 and on September 10, 2012 in the United Kingdom, both via Matador. It a great tune and I'm anticipating her second single.



- Matt

Japandroids

Japandroids is a Canadian rock duo from Vancouver, British Columbia. To be honest, I really didn't like their sound at first. It was a bit too punk sounding for me but as I continue listening to them, they are growing on me. Also, since they are hitting the indie scene by storm, I thought some of our readers might enjoy them. Check out a single from their new album "Celebration Rock" called "The House That Heaven Built" here:



- Matt

Snowblink - Black & White Mountains

Hailing out of Toronto, the duo Snowblink are set to release their third LP titled Inner Classics this fall (September 11th to be exact). The first single is "Black & White Mountains" and you can listen to it below as well as an excellent B-side cover of "Blue Moon". "Black & White Mountains" is available for free download on the soundcloud widget below.



 - Spence

Spiritualized - Little Girl (Video)

Spiritualized released Sweet Heart, Sweet Light, earlier this year and it quickly became and continues to be one of my favorites of the year. Check out the video for Little Girl, below:



Also, stream one of my favorites, Hey Jane:



- Bryce

Happy Canada Day!

Happy birthday Canada. Enjoy Jason Collett's ode to Canada entitled "Love Song To Canada" from a couple years ago.



 - Spence