tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:26:16 +0000The ramblings of an unapologetic Toronto music snobhttp://www.snobsmusic.net/tosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)Blogger3408125SnobsMusichttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-1607341425591820804Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:14:00 +00002009-11-10T13:14:00.564-05:00backyard tire fireIn the pantheon of country-infused indie rock Illinois' Backyard Tire Fire really don't get the recognition they deserve.  Hopefully things are about to change as the band has announced the release of their new studio album, Good To Be.  The record hits shelves February 16th. Besides the artwork (simple, yet elegant), we also have a track list to share with you: Road Song #39 Ready or Not http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/TTkNItjExN0/backyard-tire-fire-announce-new-album.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/TTkNItjExN0" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/backyard-tire-fire-announce-new-album.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-5484940128064196223Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:27:00 +00002009-11-10T12:27:04.067-05:00magnetic fieldsSince the very first time I heard 69 Love Songs I fell in love with the humour and sound of Stephin Merritt's Magnetic Fields.  Having then explored the back catalogue and consuming each new release, I can say there's no better musician when it comes to writing on a concept than Merritt. After releasing 2008's feedback themed record Distortion and penning the music for the Coraline musical, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/ZHOeLulDK5M/magnetic-fields-announce-realism-album.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/ZHOeLulDK5M" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/magnetic-fields-announce-realism-album.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-6796857279024817698Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +00002009-11-10T11:36:00.552-05:00fraggle rock djsmp3Toronto DJ duo Fraggle Rock DJs have been busy.  The pair have just dropped a couple of new remixes on us. I'm pleased to bring you one of them, Mudvayne's "Happy", right now: "Happy (yalefox electro remix)"- MP3 They've also done a remix of Drake's "Forever", but I refuse to lend any credibility to music made by a former Degrassi actor. Is it just me or is Fraggle Rock DJs just a name that begshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/gxKV_5thubI/fraggle-rock-djs-remix-mudvayne-drake.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/gxKV_5thubI" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/fraggle-rock-djs-remix-mudvayne-drake.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-4183988310292630443Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +00002009-11-10T10:32:56.867-05:00blue rodeoToronto country-rock stalwarts Blue Rodeo are celebrating the release of their new double album Things We Left Behind with a free show today.  The band will be playing from the rooftop of the Diesel Playhouse (55 Blue Jays Way) at 2:30pm today. Go check them out on your coffee break. Blue Rodeo's website http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/AQ2n5gfbZX0/blue-rodeo-plays-free-rooftop-show-this.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/AQ2n5gfbZX0" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/blue-rodeo-plays-free-rooftop-show-this.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-8380474710054239889Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +00002009-11-10T09:28:00.201-05:00midnight massesmp3Brooklyn indie super group Midnight Masses have delayed the release of their debut EP.  Rapture Ready, I Gazed At the Body will now be available digitally on December 8th. The band has a great pedigree, with contributions from members of ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, TV On The Radio, and more.  Toss in a cover of Sonic Youth's "Do You Believe In Rapture?" and you're cookin' with http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/VITwz3iVC_s/midnight-masses-updated-ep-release-date.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/VITwz3iVC_s" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/midnight-masses-updated-ep-release-date.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-4675325356311797189Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:47:00 +00002009-11-10T05:47:00.396-05:00album reviewbad lieutenantIt's easy to get over excited about Never Cry Another Tear, the debut album from Bad Lieutenant.  After all, this is the first full post-New Order work we're hearing from any member of the band.  When reports circulated that Blur's Alex James was also involved along with New Order's Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Phil Cunningham, well it could easily be a Brit Pop enthusiast's wet dream. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/fQgLHNpGDXg/bad-lieutenant-never-cry-another-tear.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/fQgLHNpGDXg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/bad-lieutenant-never-cry-another-tear.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-5375504164974956676Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +00002009-11-10T01:00:06.197-05:00blue rodeonew releasestori amosHere's a look at one of the last few good weeks for new releases in 2009: Tori Amos- Review Animal Collective Bobby Birdman- MP3 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- video Blue Rodeo Bon Jovi Dashboard Confessional Robyn Hitchcock Ash Koley- MP3 Loch Lomond- Review Omar Rodriguez Lopez Heather Masse Puscifer The Sun- MP3 Stationary Odyssey- MP3 Tommy T- MP3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/tPl4u2a7FlQ/new-releases-for-nov-10th-tori-amos.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/tPl4u2a7FlQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/new-releases-for-nov-10th-tori-amos.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-6028924841268468814Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:02:00 +00002009-11-09T14:02:00.256-05:00art bruteddie argos2009 has definitely been the year of the solo album.  We've got ones from Alec Ounsworth, Paul Banks, Julian Casablancas, Kyp Malone, and I'm sure I'm missing some other noteworthy ones. Art Brut's Eddie Argos doesn't want to get left behind.  He's teamed up with Dyan Valdes to produce Fixing The Charts an album billed to the band Everybody Was In the French Resistance...Now. We've got a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/e_TBmZJ-J7A/art-bruts-eddie-argos-announce-solo.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/e_TBmZJ-J7A" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/art-bruts-eddie-argos-announce-solo.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-5187695577912056535Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:07:00 +00002009-11-09T13:07:23.607-05:00videoashIrish rockers Ash are now three releases into their planned release of a single every two weeks for a year.  The latest is this week's release of "Arcadia".  As usual I'm a little behind because I've got the video for "Joy Kicks Darkness", the catchy second single: Ash's website Ash's Myspace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/iqzkUkxCSLQ/ash-joy-kicks-darkness-video.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/iqzkUkxCSLQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/ash-joy-kicks-darkness-video.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-4923702293092446847Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:06:00 +00002009-11-09T11:06:00.383-05:00the replacementsmoviescolor me obsessedDo you have a story about The Replacements?  Did you meet them?  See them?  Did Paul Westerberg vomit on you in the '80s?  Did they influence your life somehow? If you answered yes to any of these questions Director Gorman Bechard wants to hear from you and share your story. Bechard is in the process of making a fan documentary of my all-time favorite rock n' roll band.  Check out the website http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/ZievuW304vQ/replacements-share-your-personal.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/ZievuW304vQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/replacements-share-your-personal.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-519030364339529070Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:06:00 +00002009-11-09T10:06:00.678-05:00bad lieutenantmp3Bernard Sumner's post-New Order band Bad Lieutenant are giving away another track from their debut album Never Cry Another Tear. You can get your copy of "Dynamo" in exchange for your email address below: The jury's still out on the band as far as I'm concerned. Bad Lieutenant's website http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/x_vXeQjZMDc/bad-lieutenant-give-away-dynamo-mp3.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/x_vXeQjZMDc" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/bad-lieutenant-give-away-dynamo-mp3.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-5788217376235890557Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:56:00 +00002009-11-09T08:56:09.939-05:00album reviewtori amosI have to admit that I first approached Tori Amos' new seasonal album Midwinter Graces (out tomorrow) with some trepidation.  Her previous body of work combined with other recent holiday record disasters (i.e. Bob Dylan) pointed towards an album that could go terribly terribly wrong.  This was of particular concern as the album was being billed as a collection of seasonal favorites alongside new http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/fKFMxts8mbU/tori-amos-midwinter-graces-album-review.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/fKFMxts8mbU" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/tori-amos-midwinter-graces-album-review.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-1237141614511792637Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:08:00 +00002009-11-09T01:08:00.159-05:00jesus lizardel perro del marconcertspeter bjorn and johnNeed something to do this week?  Try these: Peter Bjorn and John w. El Perro Del Mar, The Phoenix, Nov. 11th It's a Swedish love-in as the ever busy PB&J team up with Sarah Assbring for what's sure to be a delightful night of Scandinavian indie pop. Peter Bjorn and John's website Jesus Lizard, The Phoenix, Nov. 12th David Yow leads the resurrected Chicago post-hardcore legends into town for http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/DcTa6oGGbew/this-weeks-entertainment-picks-peter.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/DcTa6oGGbew" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/this-weeks-entertainment-picks-peter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-9204922502874801013Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:04:00 +00002009-11-08T11:04:00.234-05:00four tetUK electronic artist Four Tet has announced the release of his first studio album in nearly four years (nice numeric symmetry).  There Is Love In You hits North American shores on January 26th. Here's the track list for the album: Angel echoes Love cry Circling Pablo’s heart Sing This unfolds Reversing Plastic people She just likes to fight A song like "She Just Likes to Fight" has promise from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/WvlHRJb2yek/four-tet-reveals-new-album-details.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/WvlHRJb2yek" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/four-tet-reveals-new-album-details.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-356766587178397792Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +00002009-11-08T09:21:00.663-05:00album reviewsole and the skyrider bandBy now I'm sure you've realized that we don't cover a lot of hip hop here.  But from time-to-time there's something that comes across our desktop that's a little more interesting than the "shot-my-ho-in-the-face-for-some-money" kind of hip hop that (stereotypically) dominates the genre. The latest is Plastique, the second album from Sole and the Skyrider Band.  The album is the result of Sole's http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/i3mE25BLIro/sole-and-skyrider-band-plastique-album.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/i3mE25BLIro" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/sole-and-skyrider-band-plastique-album.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-7289384531247350380Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:09:00 +00002009-11-08T01:09:00.321-05:00concertsHere are a look at the concerts announced for Toronto this week: The Zolas, Lee's Palace, Nov 12 Pilot Speed, Berkeley Church, Nov 13 Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Supermarket, Nov 18 Koushik w. VOWLS, The Garrison, Nov 18 The Sadies, Horseshoe Tavern, Nov 19 You Say Party! We Say Die! w. Little Girls, The Phoenix, Nov 20 The Zolas, Drake Underground, Nov 20 Surefire Machine, The Phoenix, Nov 21 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/8z8xMUFb9m0/concerts-announced-this-week_08.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/8z8xMUFb9m0" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/concerts-announced-this-week_08.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-3390625799698824792Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +00002009-11-07T12:07:00.096-05:00flight of the conchordsalbum reviewIt's difficult to evaluate a comedy album from a group based on a cable television show.  That's the challenge we face with Flight of the Conchords' sophomore album I Told You I Was Freaky. The New Zealand duo's second album tends towards the hip hop/dance end of the musical spectrum.  At times, like the low self-esteem rapper on "Hurt Feelings", the pair create an extra level of humour by http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/3G7E15e3Ugc/flight-of-conchords-i-told-you-i-was.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/3G7E15e3Ugc" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/flight-of-conchords-i-told-you-i-was.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-8224027779487355982Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:06:00 +00002009-11-07T10:06:00.388-05:00videomr gnomemp3Cleveland band Mr. Gnome release their sophomore album Heave Yer Skeleton on November 10th.  In anticipation the duo have released a breathtaking video for the track "Spain".  You need to check it out right now because it may change your life (video). We've also got a pair of tracks from the forthcoming record for you: "Spain"- MP3 "Vampires"- MP3 Mr. Gnome's website Mr. Gnome's Myspace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/1K_DUBOU3Vg/mr-gnome-great-video-even-better-songs.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/1K_DUBOU3Vg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/mr-gnome-great-video-even-better-songs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-3399902692212103398Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:52:00 +00002009-11-07T04:52:00.278-05:00mp3the pixiesThe once again reunited Pixies are touring away, playing shows which include front-to-back performances of their landmark Doolittle album.  They've decided to let everyone in on it by releasing a free live EP.  The 4-song set was culled from the band's October 16th show in Paris. You can get it in a simple exchange for your email address: Grab this treat and enjoy celebrating one of thehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/5WQrUeSNgYw/pixies-give-away-free-live-ep-mp3s.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/5WQrUeSNgYw" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/pixies-give-away-free-live-ep-mp3s.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-569077791908316641Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:30:00 +00002009-11-07T01:30:00.115-05:00the zookeepersmp3It's weekly clearinghouse time.  Here's some of what is begging to be talked about: The Zookeepers, Elmer's Paste Land The band is making this, their sixth album, available for free download (donations appreciated).  With titles like "Softcore Folklore" and "Mexican Vasectomy" how can you go wrong.  You can get your copy here. The Zookeepers' Myspace Dragon Turtle, Almanac If you like http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/7dxuaratass/quick-hits-zookeepers-dragon-turtle.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/7dxuaratass" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/quick-hits-zookeepers-dragon-turtle.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-7959346815115306600Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +00002009-11-06T16:50:58.189-05:00streamtori amosNovember 10th sees the release of Midwinter Graces, the first ever seasonal album (don't ya are call it Christmas) from piano diva Tori Amos.  The record is a combination of traditional songs as well as Amos originals inspired by the season. But why wait?  You can hear the album in its entirety here and now: Tori Amos' website Tori Amos' Myspace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/XdD3JyrMUyg/tori-amos-listen-to-new-album-now.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/XdD3JyrMUyg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/tori-amos-listen-to-new-album-now.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-965341494444229100Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:23:00 +00002009-11-06T11:23:00.543-05:00buffetlibremp3dragonetteI have a conundrum when it comes to Toronto band Dragonette.  I have difficulty separating their music from the fact that I fundamentally oppose everything lead singer Martina Sorbara's dad (former Liberal cabinet minister Greg Sorbara) stands for.  But when I step back, the band's music is pretty good. That brings us to the latest single "Easy". DJ duo Buffetlibre have done a remix of the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/7dCY28dqn5o/dragonette-easy-buffetlibre-remix-mp3.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/7dCY28dqn5o" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/dragonette-easy-buffetlibre-remix-mp3.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-1886266038787967799Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:06:00 +00002009-11-06T09:06:00.699-05:00golden shouldersmp3Nevada City, CA's Golden Shoulders (careful when you read that, you don't want to make the same mistake I did the first time) released their third full length album Get Reasonable earlier this year.  We're finally able to share some of their infection indie folk with you. Grab your download of the lead track here: "Mountain"- MP3 Golden Shoulders' website Golden Shoulders' Myspace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/CUzHDAil_5I/golden-shoulders-mountain-mp3.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/CUzHDAil_5I" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/golden-shoulders-mountain-mp3.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-8361334874387589062Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:37:00 +00002009-11-06T06:37:00.198-05:00album reviewathleteFirst, there's a pet peeve I have to address and Athlete's new EP, The Getaway, is a perfect example.  All artists, record labels, etc, please stop this farce.  When you release an EP, in this case a 4-song set, and two of them are different versions of songs that appear on your album, calling your release an EP is at best disingenuous, and at worst a crass attempt to part your fans from their http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/JnNTuMe6MCg/athlete-getaway-ep-review.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/JnNTuMe6MCg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/athlete-getaway-ep-review.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739377.post-8818630240965353289Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:27:00 +00002009-11-06T01:27:00.134-05:00tiny tidethe stormalongskristina trainHere are three more acts to take you help usher in the weekend: Kristina Train For those who like: Norah Jones, Duffy Savannah, GA's Train mixes soulful jazzy vocals with a hint of trendy throwback English pop. Kristina Train's Myspace Tiny Tide For those who like: Modest Mouse, The Fall One of our rare Italian finds, the band draws upon a wide array of influences including The Fall, Modest http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~3/osE-K5Mh8PA/3-more-to-explore-kristina-train-tiny.htmltosnob@snobsmusic.net (T.O. Snob)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SnobsMusic/~4/osE-K5Mh8PA" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.snobsmusic.net/2009/11/3-more-to-explore-kristina-train-tiny.html