! Exclaim.ca - News

SNFU to Return with 'Never Trouble Trouble Until Trouble Troubles You'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:19:55 -0400

It's been almost 10 years since SNFU served up their last LP, In the Meantime and in Between Time, but the Canadian hardcore pioneers make their comeback this fall with their next full-length effort, Never Trouble Trouble Until Trouble Troubles You. A firm street date has yet to be announced, but Cruzar Media has confirmed the LP arrives sometime in September. SNFU had previously revealed plans for the LP in January on their blog, noting that founding vocalist Mr. Chi Pig and members Jon Card, Sean Colig, Ken Flemming and Kerry Cyr were "preparing the ancient art of guttural,...Read More

Third Man Records Digs Up Unreleased Material from Pre-Death Band RockFire Funk Express and the Underwear Heads

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:42:01 -0400

Third Man Records has gotten into the reissue game as of late, having recently released archival recordings from Sun Records, the early blues era, and Public Nuisance. Now, Jack White's label is looking to the past once again and dropping previously unreleased 7-inches from a pair of influential Detroit cult acts: RockFire Funk Express and the Underwear Heads. RockFire Funk Express were an early incarnation of the band that later became pioneering proto-punks Death. The Hackney brothers — David, Dannis and Bobby — never officially released any music under this name, but they...Read More

7 Seconds Sign to Rise Records for New Album

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:07:11 -0400

Skeeno Youth Crew innovators 7 Seconds have announced they've signed to Rise Records to deliver their first LP since 2005's Take it Back, Take it On, Take it Over! Details are still developing behind the as-yet-untitled LP, but the hardcore band will head into a Sacramento studio this summer to lay down a number of tracks. The record will feature the long-standing line-up of vocalist Kevin Seconds, bassist Steve Youth, drummer Troy Mowat and guitarist Bob Adams. "We have about 20 new songs that we'll record the best 13 songs from. This new record will be all about the energy and...Read More

Yonge-Dundas Square Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Concert Series Featuring Plants and Animals, Cadence Weapon, the Pack A.D.

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:47:48 -0400

Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto officially opened a decade ago this year, and the downtown hub is celebrating the milestone with a free concert series that will run from this month all the way until October. The 10th anniversary programming actually includes two different music series. The Lunchtime Live! series takes place on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and it includes performers like the Wilderness of Manitoba (September 16), Elizabeth Shepherd (September 23) and the Devin Cuddy Band (October 7). Indie Fridays, on the other hand, take place on Fridays between 8 and 10 p.m....Read More

Daft Punk Get Their Own Formula One Race Car

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:28:06 -0400

As if having the year's most insanely buzzed-about album weren't already enough, French electronic kings (and current Exclaim! cover stars) Daft Punk are now making an unexpected foray into the world of car racing by sponsoring an F1 vehicle and appearing in commercials. As Pitchfork points out, Daft Punk have teamed up with British racers Lotus F1 Team, who have shared a few bite-sized video clips showcasing the collaboration. These clips show the robots, whose helmets make them look a bit like drivers themselves, along with a race car branded with their distinctive logo. Watch...Read More

Scout Niblett Announces North American Dates Behind 'It's Up to Emma'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:30 -0400

Scout Niblett issued her new album It's Up to Emma earlier this week through Drag City, and the Portland-based artist has celebrated the feat by unveiling a North American tour schedule. Niblett already has a European tour starting up next week, but she'll now follow those dates with a run around her home continent. The trip kicks off in Seattle but quickly bounces to Vancouver for a show on August 23 before heading off to other Canadian stops in Montreal and Toronto. The West Coast dates will feature support from Pat Gubler's P.G. Six project, while shows further out east will have...Read More

Share Celebrated with Tribute Album Featuring Michael Feuerstack, Jenn Grant, Jon McKiel

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:51 -0400

Andrew Sisk used to record with his project Share before switching to his own name for last year's Treelines. Now, some of his music biz peers have paid tribute to his former band with a compilation album. We Have the Same Lights Overhead: A Tribute to Share is available now through Acadian Embassy. Among the artists included here are Michael Feuerstack (aka Snailhouse), Jenn Grant, the Two-Minute Miracles, A.A. Wallace, Jon McKiel, Daniel Ledwell (of In-Flight Safety) and Quiet Parade. "Andrew Sisk has had such a profound influence on our lives both as a musician and...Read More

By Divine Right Return with 'Organized Accidents,' Stream the New Album Now on Exclaim.ca

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Since By Divine Right released their album Mutant Message in 2009, band leader José Miguel Contreras has teamed up with his wife Lily Frost and got involved with a local indie film, but now he's back with his main project for a new album. Organized Accidents is out on June 4 through Hand Drawn Dracula and is available to stream in full right now. Plus, it will be supported by a Canadian summer tour. Contreras and his bandmates wrote and recorded the album in a forest near Toronto. A press release intriguingly describes it like this: "Organized Accidents is the...Read More

The Decemberists' John Moen Details New Solo Album as Perhapst

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:38:49 -0400

John Moen plays the drums for the Decemberists, and has previously beat the skins for Stephen Malkmus and Elliott Smith, but this summer he'll be stepping out from behind the kit and into the spotlight when he releases his latest solo album under the moniker Perhapst. Revise Your Maps is out on June 25 via Jealous Butcher Records. ...Read More

Sigur Rós, the Rolling Stones, Twin Shadow and More in This Week's Can't Miss Concerts

editorial@exclaim.ca (Matthew Ritchie) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:13 -0400

Victoria Day weekend may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean the good times have to end. As spring comes to a close, keep the party rocking by checking out Exclaim!'s must-see show picks for the week of May 23-29. ...Read More

Daft Punk Plan to Remix 'Random Access Memories'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:36:14 -0400

Despite the endless amount of pride that must come with gracing the cover of Exclaim!, robotic dance music champions Daft Punk have faced some mixed reactions for their new album Random Access Memories, as some have wished it would share more with their electronic past. That may now happen, as the duo have announced plans to remix the release. Speaking with BBC Radio 1, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo announced that, rather than recruit others to remix their work, they'll take on the task themselves. "We're working on some mixes ourselves," Bangalter said....Read More

Washed Out Returns with 'Paracosm' Album

editorial@exclaim.ca (Brock Thiessen) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:05:55 -0400

Following 2011's artistic step-up Within and Without, Ernest Greene has announced he will be resurrecting his Washed Out project for a new full-length. Titled Paracosm, the record will arrive on all the usual formats on August 13 via Sub Pop, with a UK/European release to drop the day before on Weird World. The album was produced by previous studio collaborator Ben Allen in Georgia, and according to the press release, we can expect another big shift from Greene, who is embracing the idea of escapism for the new record. The PR explains, "On Paracosm, the...Read More

Jim Guthrie Talks the Process Behind 'Takes Time'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Ben Landau) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:00:14 -0400

After releasing 2003's Now, More Than Ever to critical acclaim and plying his trade with Islands and Human Highway, Jim Guthrie is finally back with a new studio album. Out now via Static Clang, Takes Time represents Guthrie's arguably finest and most mature songwriting to date. It's a rich, stately affair that he makes sound easy, but as Guthrie tells Exclaim!, releasing the album was a painstaking process — one that saw him battle writer's block, self-doubt and an impossibly busy schedule during the six-year recording process. "It's crazy because it was overwhelming...Read More

Hooded Fang Discuss the Road to 'Gravez'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Jazz Monroe) — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:18 -0400

Toronto busybodies Hooded Fang are about to release their third album Gravez. Despite retaining the band's hectic, surf-hooked élan and trilling vocals, it's a decidedly more wintry-sounding set than predecessor Tosta Mista, a fact the band puts down to age and improved musicianship. "It sounds more serious to me," singer Daniel Lee tells Exclaim! "I think it's the best record that this band has put out. It takes time for the stuff to meld together." Guitarist Lane Halley adds, "We're a better band, more knowledgeable, better at playing together, [and it's] more of...Read More

The Roots Receive Mural Tribute in Philadelphia

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:08:44 -0400

Whether because of their impressive back catalogue or their current stint Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots are one of the most beloved hip-hop groups of all time, and the hard-working act are now being toasted in their hometown of Philadelphia with a tributary mural. Commissioned by the City of Philadelphia, the art piece will be unveiled May 31 at the World Communications Charter School, close to the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) where Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson formed the band. As you can see above,...Read More

Shooting Guns Plot Canadian Tour, Gear Up for Sophomore Album

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alan Ranta) — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:50:40 -0400

Following their 2011 debut full-length Born To Deal In Magic: 1952-1976, Shooting Guns have just announced their sophomore album, tentatively titled Brotherhood of the Ram. The album is to be mastered by John McBain of Monster Magnet and Desert Sessions fame, and is aimed for a late fall release.  Concurrently, the Saskatoon five-piece band recently announced their "Fuckin Rites" tour, which will take their brand of instrumental psychedelic doom across Canada this June. This tour includes stops at the NXNE and Sled Island festivals. Chances are some of their new...Read More

Joey Bada$$ Announces 'Summer Knights' Due Date

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:54 -0400

While some tweeters would celebrate cracking the 200,000-followers mark with nothing more than a thankful post, New York rapper Joey Bada$$ has used the moment to formally announce his next project, Summer Knights. Earlier this month, he tweeted that a new Pro Era group EP called Summer Knights would drop sometime next month. After passing the 200,000-follower milestone on his account earlier today (May 22), though, the Beast Coast MC revealed a solid street date of June 12. "Eye should drop a track today :D in celebration of this 200k mark... but fuck it, eye'll just make...Read More

Miesha & the Spanks Recruit Ian Blurton to Produce 'Girls, Like Wolves,' Share New Single

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:28 -0400

Calgary garage rock unit Miesha & the Spanks spent some time touring behind their 2011 album Gods of Love, and now their back with another full-length. Girls, Like Wolves is out on August 20 through Saved by Vinyl. The album was produced by Canadian cult hero Ian Blurton (C'mon, Change of Heart). Sessions took place over six days in a cabin on the lake in Kananaskis, AB. According to a press release, "the sweat of [Meisha] Louie and her drummer Stuart Bota's chemistry is felt on each track, hammered out with weight and urgency." For a taste of Girls, Like...Read More

Kurt Vile Adds Summer Dates, Returns to Vancouver

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:46:02 -0400

Kurt Vile just came through Vancouver a couple of weeks ago in support of his recently released Wakin on a Pretty Daze LP, but the indie folkster has announced a batch of summer dates that confirm he'll be back for an encore by August. The latest stretch of dates pile on after Vile's previously announced schedule, which includes stops in Laval, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. His upcoming return to Vancouver brings him back to the Rickshaw Theatre on August 6. You can check out all of Vile's upcoming tour dates down below. Tour dates: 5/24 Barcelona, ES - Primavera Sound...Read More

SappyFest Adds Doldrums, AroarA, TOPS, Sarah Neufeld to 2013 Lineup

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:22:58 -0400

Last month, SappyFest rolled out the initial lineup for its 2013 event, roping in acts like Colin Stetson, the Luyas, and Chain and the Gang. Now, we've got the names of some more acts who will play the eighth instalment of the annual festival in Sackville, NB, from August 2 to 4. Since the previous announcement, the lineup has been expanded to include Doldrums, AroarA, TOPS, Sarah Neufeld, Blackout Beach, First City, Eucalyptus, Jon Mckiel, Shotgun Jimmie, Monomyth, the Highest Order, Grey Kingdom, Dusted, L CON, Pat Jordache, Tasseomancy and more. The festival will also include...Read More

Goblin's Maurizio Guarini Brings Solo Material to Toronto

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:44:20 -0400

Maurizio Guarini is known as the keyboardist of Italian horror/prog kings Goblin, but he recently made his solo debut with the album Creatures from a Drawer. He's now preparing to bring his solo material to the stage for a Toronto show. The gig is at Lula Lounge on June 5 and it's billed as a CD release party. Guarini noted on Facebook that he would be accompanied by "awesome guest musicians from the Toronto music scene," and promised that the set would include some Goblin favourites too. According to a press release, Creatures from a Drawer is a stylistically diverse...Read More

MEG Montreal Adds the Besnard Lakes, Shlohmo, Dusted to Lineup

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:09 -0400

MEG Montreal laid out the initial lineup plans for its 15th edition last month, but a second wave of talent has now been announced, with a couple notable adds including spacey rockers the Besnard Lakes and Shlohmo. A press release for the fest, which runs across venues in Montreal July 25 to August 3, also notes that they've now booked Dusted, Valleys, Helado Negro, Poirier and Tommy Kruise, among others, to appear. As previously reported, other artists set to play MEG include the Hacker, Agoria, Para One, Duchess Says, Sexy Sushi and Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team. While MEG...Read More

Arrest Warrant Issued for Allegedly Dead Rapper Tim Dog

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:47:55 -0400

Following last week's allegations that rapper Tim Dog (aka Timothy Blair) faked his own death to avoid repaying victims of an online scam he ran, a Mississippi judge has issued an arrest warrant for the supposedly dead artist. Memphis, TN's WREG reports that Desoto County, MS prosecutor Steven Jubera, who had convicted Blair in 2011 on a grand larceny charge, filed a petition to have the rapper's probation revoked yesterday (May 21), which led to the warrant. His suspicions were aroused due to the lack of hard evidence behind the rapper's alleged death last February over...Read More

Boards of Canada Premiere New Video on Tokyo Building

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:52:06 -0400

Boards of Canada have been promoting their new Tomorrow's Harvest LP in some unique ways (see the mini-clip 12-inch eBay fiasco), and the duo kept things mysterious early this morning (May 22) by premiering a video on a screen in downtown Tokyo. We're not quite sure what to make of the fan video of the screening that you'll find down below, but apparently the ambient new age music you hear is from the new LP. As for the visuals, they're being filmed from too far way to tell exactly what's going on. All you'll see are blurs and flashes. It's unclear at present if Boards of Canada...Read More

Saskatchewan's Gateway Festival Expands 2013 Lineup with Limblifter, Del Barber, Foam Lake

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:41:11 -0400

The Gateway Festival recently confirmed some of the headliners for this year's event, and now the annual event in Bengough, SK, has fleshed out its lineup with more performers who will play between July 26 and 28. The rock- and folk-oriented lineup now includes Limblifter, Del Barber, Foam Lake, Slow Down Molasses, John Antoniuk & Smokekiller, Castle River and more. These acts have joined a bill that already includes Steve Earle & the Dukes, Corb Lund & the Hurtin' Albertans, Yukon Blonde, Shotgun Jimmie, the Wooden Sky, Rah Rah, Blake Berglund, Harlan Pepper and Zachary Lucky. ...Read More

Majical Cloudz Discuss Identity and the Value of Sadness on 'Impersonator'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Jazz Monroe) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:08 -0400

Another week, another inward-reaching LP from the creative tropics of Montreal. Heralding the Matador Records debut of Grimes-collaborating duo Majical Cloudz, Impersonator is an album dealing, as the title suggests, with identity crisis and psychological uncertainty. "I was at a point where [loss of identity] was a relevant theme in my life," singer Devon Welsh explains to Exclaim! "I was between almost everything in my life, including my ability to write music, my geographical location, my psychological orientation, my various personal relationships. And I didn't think about...Read More

Julia Holter Announces 'Loud City Song'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:43:09 -0400

After the breakout success of her 2012 LP Ekstasis, experimental pop artist Julia Holter signed on with Domino and announced plans for a new LP. Now, she's announced details for the new album. The release is called Loud City Song and sees Holter attempting her most ambitious project to date. According to a press release, it's heavily inspired by the 1944 novella Gigi, using that "as a prism through which to explore her relationship with her hometown of Los Angeles and modern life universally, taking cues from the work of Joni Mitchell and the poetry of Frank O'Hara...Read More

Prefuse 73 Launches Yellow Year Records

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:33:43 -0400

It's been two whole years since once prolific glitch-hop producer Prefuse 73 released his album The Only She Chapters. Far from slowing down, however, he's just announced plans for a series of new EPs on a new record label. The imprint is called Yellow Year Records and is being launched in collaboration with photographer Angel Ceballos. Continuing his love of alliteration, Prefuse's first releases on Yellow Year will be a series of EPs called Speak Soon. The releases will see the artist working in collaboration with the likes of Teebs, Nosaj Thing, Lapalux, Synkro,...Read More

Liferuiner Announce 'Future Revisionists' Canadian Tour

editorial@exclaim.ca (Matthew Ritchie) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:56 -0400

Straight-edge hardcore outfit Liferuiner's new LP Future Revisionists doesn't hit shelves until June 4, but the Toronto quartet have already made plans to tour in support of their sophomore release. Starting out May 30 in Calgary, the melodic hardcore titans will tour across Canada, passing through Ontario and Quebec before finishing things off on June 9 at St. Catharines' iconic S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival. Accompanying them on their journey will be InVogue Records labelmates Being As an Ocean and Hamilton upstarts Prophets, who will be playing shows with them for a leg of the...Read More

R.I.P. David Bowie/Uriah Heep Bassist Trevor Bolder

editorial@exclaim.ca (Sarah Murphy) — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:42:49 -0400

David Bowie's Spiders from Mars bassist Trevor Bolder died yesterday (May 21) after battling pancreatic cancer. In addition to playing on iconic Bowie albums Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Aladdin Sane, Bolder joined Uriah Heep in 1976, remaining a vital part of the band until his health began to fail earlier this year. He also played in Wishbone Ash, Cybernauts and the Rats. "Trevor was a wonderful musician and a major inspiration for whichever band he was working with," said Bowie in a statement on his website....Read More

Dirty Beaches Opens Up About His New Double Album and Productive Friendship with the Brian Jonestown Massacre's Anton Newcombe

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:02 -0400

This year is shaping up to be an extremely productive one for Alex Zhang Hungtai's project Dirty Beaches. He has already released the Water Park soundtrack and a tour tape, not to mention his newly delivered double-LP Drifters/Love Is the Devil. As Hungtai tells Exclaim!, at least part of the credit for this rapid output belongs to Brian Jonestown Massacre lynchpin Anton Newcombe. "Most of it was recorded in Berlin, really late at night," Hungtai says of the cinematic, largely instrumental Love Is the Devil. "I had access to my friend Anton Newcombe's studio and I...Read More

Get Reviews of the National, Majical Cloudz, Dirty Beaches and More in This Week's New Release Roundup

editorial@exclaim.ca (Matthew Ritchie) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:10:10 -0400

Do you know what the best part about the long weekend is? Not having to wait an extra workday for new release Tuesday. So celebrate your return to the rat race by treating yourself to one of this week's newest albums. Check out our reviewers' recommendations to see which are must-owns for the post-Victoria Day workweek. Then, head on over to our Recently Reviewed section to read recommendations on all of this week's newest releases.

First up on the docket is Trouble Will Find Me, the highly anticipated follow-up to to the National's 2010 mainstream breakout High Violet. On their newest release, the Brooklyn-based rockers have managed to tone down the arena-ready rock of their previous LP, while maintaining the band's melancholic lyrics and signature sonics to solidify a sound that is distinctly their own.

Toronto indie-rock outfit Hooded Fang return with Gravez, a saturated garage rocker that manages to sound peppier than its predecessor, while Majical Cloudz' Impersonator delivers captivating vocals and sparse accompaniment to create a truly serene listening experience.

Next, Dirty Beaches' cinematic drones and avant-garde guitar noodling are at full-force on double LP Drifters/Love Is the Devil, and IDM's unsung heroes the Black Dog keep it consistent on their 12th LP, Tranklements.

International singer-songwriter Oliver Mtukudzi's surprisingly upbeat Sarawoga details the guitarist's emotional journey following the loss of his son in 2010. Although his new LP doesn't tread any new ground sonically, according to our reviewer, it "serves as an example of an artist who has mastered his style."

And, of course, Daft Punk have finally released Random Access Memories, which we gave a perfect ten last week.

Read full reviews of these new releases and many more by checking out Exclaim!'s Recently Reviewed section, then stop by our New and Forthcoming Release Dates page for updates on even more upcoming albums.

Hear some of our favourite tracks from these albums and many more in our Rdio Genre Playlists:

Pop & Rock
Improv & Avant-Garde
Dance & Electronic
Soul, Funk & World

DIANA Change Debut Album Title to Steer Clear of Legal Trouble

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:31:02 -0400

Over the years, we've seen numerous clashes and lawsuits over duplicate band names, and now up-and-coming Toronto electronic pop outfit DIANA are trying to avoid a similar dispute. Their upcoming debut album was originally intended to be self-titled, but they've had to change to it to Perpetual Surrender. In a statement, Jagjaguwar explained that there's already an album called Diana by a band called — you guessed it — Diana. Evidently the Toronto-based DIANA intend to keep their band name, so hopefully the title change will help them steer clear of any...Read More

Phil Anselmo Announces North American Tour with Warbeast

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:17:00 -0400

Former Pantera frontman Philip H. Anselmo is getting ready to release his solo debut Walk Through Exits Only on July 16 through his own Housecore Records, and it turns out the metal legend will whip audiences into submission when he takes the songs out on the road this summer. Anselmo and his backup band the Illegals will hit up a number of North American cities between July and August for their "Technicians of Distortion" tour, with Canadian stops taking place at Toronto's Danforth Music Hall on August 10 and at Montreal's Heavy MTL fest the following day. Texas crushers...Read More

Diamond Rings Reveals His Plans for Epic Dance LP

editorial@exclaim.ca (Vish Khanna) — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:43:51 -0400

While Diamond Rings' John O'Regan has recently been opening for OMD and gearing up for festival stops of his own this summer, he's already well into planning his next LP, the follow-up to last year's Free Dimensional. Speaking to Exclaim!, O'Regan says he's begun working on new music, and while in its preliminary stages, it could mark something of a departure from the pop-song format he's been most comfortable in. "I just finished a tour and have two months to just relax and write new music," O'Regan says. "I'm hoping to write some longer songs with really solid beats and bass lines...Read More

Wind-Up Radio Sessions Announce 'Yeti Sounds,' Book Canadian Summer Dates

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:07:07 -0400

A few years back, we called Wind-Up Radio Sessions' debut album, Red Brick House, "real impressive stuff." Following last year's sophomore LP, Bird Eyes, the Montreal-based band are preparing to keep the momentum going with an EP and a batch of summer tour dates in Canada. The collection is called Yeti Sounds, and it's out on May 28. The band have reportedly been stockpiling new ideas since last summer, and this is the culmination of those efforts. Stream the easygoing country rocker "Diane" at the bottom of this page. After the EP comes out, Wind-Up Radio...Read More

Placebo Return with 'Loud Like Love'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:19:50 -0400

It's been a few years since Placebo released a new album, but the angst-fuelled Brits are preparing for another kick at the can. Loud Like Love with be out on September 16 in the UK, with the North American release date hopefully out the following day. These 10 new songs were recorded at London, UK's RAK Studios during 2012 and early 2013. Production was handled by Adam Noble. Loud Like Love will be available in four different physical packages: standard CD, digipak including a live studio session on DVD, coloured double vinyl, and a so-called "super deluxe box...Read More

Courtney Love Extends North American Tour, Adds Vancouver Date

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:05:28 -0400

Earlier this month, Hole singer Courtney Love announced a handful of U.S. dates this summer to help highlight the greatest hits of her recording career. Now, she's unveiled a West Coast leg to the tour, which will bring her up to Canada. The latest stretch of dates are booked near the end of July, starting with a show at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom on July 22. She'll then head south for shows in Seattle, Agoura Hills and Anaheim. Tickets for these latest dates go on sale May 24. Opening for Love on most dates will be U.S. duo Starred. You can get the details on the summer schedule...Read More

Crocodiles Announce Sune Rose Wagner-produced 'Crimes of Passion' LP

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:04:41 -0400

Fuzz-pop merchants Crocodiles have set a pretty prolific pace since issuing their Summer of Hate debut in 2009, and now they've announced their fourth full-length, Crimes of Passion. The act's next set arrives August 20 through Frenchkiss Records. According to a press release, core members Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell left their current home bases of New York and London to record the LP in Los Angeles with the Raveonettes' Sune Rose Wagner. The set is described as being influenced by the Soft Boys, Street Hassle-era Lou Reed, the Jackson 5 and no wave guitar guru...Read More

Shad and Skratch Bastid Team Up for 'The Spring Up' EP, Share New Cadence Weapon-equipped Track

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:33:51 -0400

Canadian rap charmer Shad has a new album called Flying Colours on the way this year, but that's not the only collection he has in the works. He's also teamed up with East Coast turntable master Skratch Bastid for a collaborative EP called The Spring Up that will come out digitally this month. Although the EP is scheduled to come out prior to the full-length, an announcement confirms that these songs were actually completed "shortly after the pair wrapped up work on Shad's upcoming full-length." The Spring Up also includes some production help from DJ Jazzy Jeff. ...Read More

Wale Details 'The Gifted'

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:07:18 -0400

Following yesterday's (May 20) premiere of new single "LoveHate Thing", Maybach Music Group rapper Wale has now let loose the cover art and tracklisting for The Gifted. Set to drop June 25 through MMG/Atlantic, the LP will come stacked with 16 songs. This includes "LoveHate Thing" and Wale's recent team-up with Tiara Thomas, "Bad." It's unclear at present whether any other guests will appear on the set, but you can see the tracklist as we know it down below. You can also check out the recently premiered album artwork, featuring a stone-faced bust of Wale, as well as cartoony...Read More

Queens of the Stone Age Extend North American Tour, Add Canadian Dates

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:49:33 -0400

Queens of the Stone Age are not only inching closer to the release of their long-awaited …Like Clockwork LP, but towards a summer tour. Now, the band have added a couple more Canadian dates on top of their previously revealed appearance at BC's Squamish Valley Music Festival. A newly tweaked summer schedule has added more North American dates throughout August, with Canadian show stops now booked for Edmonton on August 7 and the next night in Calgary. You can see all the North American details down below. Those shows will be preceded by a European trip, and you can get the...Read More

Matthew Good Returns with New Solo Album, Canadian Summer Dates

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:28:43 -0400

Canadian '90s radio mainstay Matthew Good is pressing ahead with his solo career, and the latest in his steady string of releases will arrive this fall. Good's new disc is called Arrows of Desire, and it's out on September 24 through FrostByte Media/Universal Music Canada. According to a press release, the album finds Good venturing in new musical directions. While Arrows of Desire's sound isn't described in detail, it was apparently inspired by alt-rock vets the Afghan Whigs. "I had come across an old playlist on my computer... and was listening to it while I was...Read More

Courtney John Talks the Artistic Process of His "Reggae Meets EDM" Project

editorial@exclaim.ca (Ryan B. Patrick) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:42 -0400

The recently released debut album from Jamaica-Toronto collective the Courtney John Project is something its frontman dubs "rootstronic," a blissful blending of reggae and EDM influences. Appropriately dubbed Future, the LP represents a digitally-forward sound that comes organically, Courtney John tells Exclaim! — one with which the band intends to continue pushing boundaries. "We created this sound and didn't know what to call it," says John of the rootstronic tag. "We said we'd call it [that] because of the indigenous [Jamaican] elements and the innovative 'tronic' kind...Read More

Chief Keef Arrested in Atlanta for Allegedly Smoking Weed

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:48:01 -0400

Having just served a 60-day prison stint over parole violation that ended in March, troubled rap teenager Chief Keef is back in the news after being arrested in Atlanta last night (May 20). TMZ initially reported that the rapper born Keith Cozart was arrested for disorderly confuct, though they're now saying he was busted for allegedly smoking weed in a fancy hotel. In the early hours of the morning, he tweeted, "Jus Got Out Of Dekalb County jail In Atlanta Mad As fuck." Here's hoping he won't have to spend any more time in the slammer. Since getting out of his last...Read More

The Clash Announce Massive 'Sound System' Box Set

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:56 -0400

Legendary punk rock group the Clash disbanded in 1986, but their music has stood the test of time, influencing generation after generation of performers since. It only makes sense, then, that their discography would be reissued in a massive deluxe box set. The enormous collection includes remastered versions of the band's first five albums (their 1985 effort Cut the Crap has been excluded), along with three discs' worth of demos, rarities and B-sides, a double-disc best-of album, and a DVD full of rare and previously unseen footage. In addition to the music, the set also...Read More

Lightning Dust Announce North American Tour, Premiere New Video

editorial@exclaim.ca (Gregory Adams) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:29 -0400

Last month, we learned that Amber Webber and Josh Wells will deliver their third Lightning Dust LP, Fantasy, on June 25 through Jagjaguwar. Now, the band have announced a few concert dates to support their latest set, which has now spawned its first music video. The duo's summer tour plans begin in Calgary on July 24. The next night, they'll play another Canadian gig in Edmonton, but the rest of the band's onstage activity this summer will take place beneath the border. You'll find the details down below. Lightning Dust have also just premiered the video for their previously...Read More

Imaginary Cities Talk 'Fall of Romance,' Stream Album on Exclaim.ca

editorial@exclaim.ca (Alex Hudson) — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:26 -0400

Imaginary Cities' debut album, Temporary Resident, earned the Winnipeg band plenty of accolades, including a Polaris Music Prize nomination, and now the group are back with the follow-up. Fall of Romance is out on May 28 through Hidden Pony Records, and the entire thing is available to stream ahead of time right here on Exclaim.ca. The album features the core duo of Rusty Matyas and Marti Sarbit joined by a host of notable collaborators. Andrew Scott of Sloan plays drums on two songs, and Ewan Currie of the Sheepdogs lends his voice to a track. Plus, several members of...Read More

R.I.P. Ray Manzarek of the Doors

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:14:48 -0400

Ray Manzarek, founding member of the Doors, passed away today (May 20) due to complications from bile duct cancer. He was 74 and died at a hospital in Rosenheim, Germany. He was surrounded by his wife Dorothy and his brothers. Manzarek founded the Doors alongside Jim Morrison, John Densmore and Robby Krieger in 1965. His iconic keyboard sound proved to be a backbone of the band, anchoring hits like "Light My Fire" and "Break on Through." Outside of that group, Manzarek was also an accomplished solo artist, with four albums on his own and two in collaboration with Roy Rogers. He was...Read More

Explosions in the Sky Detail 'Prince Avalanche' Score

editorial@exclaim.ca (Josiah Hughes) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:28:52 -0400

It was nearly a year ago that we first heard about Explosions in the Sky's plans to score David Gordon Green's Prince Avalanche film. Now, we've finally got details for the soundtrack's official release. The soundtrack will be available on August 6 via Temporary Residence and will feature 15 tracks. The project sees the group reuniting with their Austin, TX compatriot musician David Wingo. Both acts appeared on the soundtrack Green's 2003 film All the Real Girls, but this time around they're working together on the whole soundtrack. Prince Avalanche...Read More