54-40 is a weird band. Not weird in the sense that their music is particularly strange or that they’re overly quirky (though don’t get me wrong, they’re definitely quirky) What makes 54-40 weird is that they spent the first twoRead more…
The Smoking Bells – The Civil Service EP
Initially starting as a solo project for singer/guitarist Darius Byrne, The Smoking Bells have returned with their new EP “The Civil Service”. This time around Byrne has recruited Matt Barr and Andrew Eyles (better known as the rhythm section forRead more…
Brody Dalle – Diploid Love
“Diploid Love” is the latest record from ex-Distillers frontwoman Brody Dalle and the first released under her own name. In 2009 she released a self-titled record with her band Spinnerette and her latest album has a similar sonic palette. ForRead more…
Adam Franklin – Shine a Light
Years ago Adam Franklin recorded a cover of Wolf Parade’s “Shine a Light”. The original plan was for White Whale records to release a split 7″ with that as the a-side and a Handsome Furs cover of Swervedriver’s “Sandblasted” asRead more…
Playlist Monday: Sludge Metal
Jonathan Athon, bassist and vocalist from Black Tusk, died yesterday. To pay tribute to his memory, today’s playlist consists of sludge metal songs.
Brian Vander Ark – Angel, Put Your Face On
The Verve Pipe disappeared after their 2001 release “Underneath” tanked. It had the misfortune of being released on September 11 and the band took it as a bad omen. Despite being a bit of an unheralded pop masterpiece, it didn’tRead more…
Various Artists – The Space Project
In what can only considered an extremely literal approach to songwriting, a group of artists assembled tracks for Record Store Day compilation record “The Space Project” by utilizing recordings from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes. Using theRead more…
Lorde – Pure Heroine
Today is Lorde’s 18th birthday. She was born on November 7, 1996. Here’s a list of some great albums that were released that year: Beck – Odelay Cake – Fashion Nugget Eels – Beautiful Freak Tool – Ænima All fourRead more…
Halestorm – Reanimate 2.0: The Covers EP
It feels like I’ve been writing about a lot of cover discs this week. (I covered the Doomriders/Sweet Cobra Devo split last week and Life of Agony’s version of “Don’t You Forget About Me” just yesterday. In the case ofRead more…
Tales from the Bargain Bin: Life of Agony – Ugly
Back in September I lamented the decline of CD shops in Toronto. But I took solace in the fact that Neurotica was still occupying Queen St. West. (aside: Sonic Boom occupies a prime spot on Spadina north of Queen andRead more…