It'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
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Flight Of the Conchords: "I Told You I Was Freaky" (album review)
Mr. Gnome: great video, even better songs (video/MP3s)
Cleveland 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"- MP3Mr. Gnome's websiteMr. Gnome's Myspace
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The Pixies give away free live EP (MP3s)
The 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 the
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Quick Hits: The Zookeepers, Dragon Turtle
It's weekly clearinghouse time. Here's some of what is begging to be talked about:The Zookeepers, Elmer's Paste LandThe 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' MyspaceDragon Turtle, AlmanacIf you like
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Tori Amos: listen to the new album now (stream)
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November 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' websiteTori Amos' Myspace
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Dragonette: "Easy (Buffetlibre Remix)" (MP3)
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I 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
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Golden Shoulders: "Mountain" (MP3)
Nevada 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"- MP3Golden Shoulders' websiteGolden Shoulders' Myspace
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Athlete: "The Getaway" (EP review)
First, 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
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3 More To Explore: Kristina Train, Tiny Tide, The Stormalongs
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Here are three more acts to take you help usher in the weekend:Kristina TrainFor those who like: Norah Jones, DuffySavannah, GA's Train mixes soulful jazzy vocals with a hint of trendy throwback English pop.Kristina Train's MyspaceTiny TideFor those who like: Modest Mouse, The FallOne of our rare Italian finds, the band draws upon a wide array of influences including The Fall, Modest
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Paper Route cover Kid Cudi, hold remix contest
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Apparently this Kid Cudi guy is a big deal with the little kids (isn't there a shot for that?). Well Nashville indie band Paper Route must be fans because the boys have just tackled a cover of Cudi's "Day N Nite". Having never in my life heard the original, it's hard to say how successful the cover is.Grab your very own copy of the track here:"Day N Nite"- MP3The band is also holding a
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"Indie Rocks!" malaria benefit to feature Peter Bjorn and John, Juliette Lewis, Youssou N'Dour, and more (MP3)
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A great year for benefit albums keeps getting better. The latest entry will come on November 17th with the release of Indie Rocks! A Benefit for Malaria No More.All the proceeds from the digital-only album will go to Malaria No More, and organization dedicated to fighting malaria in Africa. On a personal note, my sister-in-law contracted malaria while in Africa a few years ago, so I can vouch
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Feist plays free in Toronto tonight
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If you're working downtown tonight and you don't want to head straight home have we got something for you. Feist (I guess with her popularity we can't really call her an 'indie darling' anymore) will be playing the Holt Renfrew Block Party as the high end retailer unveils its Christmas window.Feist goes on at 6:30pm at or near the Holt Renfrew store at 50 Bloor St W. Best news is it's totally
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Norah Jones: "The Fall" (album review)
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Even if you haven't loved Norah Jones' jazzy pop music up until now you definitely have to respect her for pushing her own musical boundaries. That's exactly the impression one gets when one first reads the list of contributors enlisted for her forthcoming album The Fall (out November 17th).Among the heavyweight rock talent performing are guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits), the legendary Smokey
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Soulicitors: "No Play" (MP3)
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Artist:Soulicitors
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Album:What You Need
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Track:No Play
Not only do Edmonton's Soulicitors have one of the most clever band names I've come across this year, but they are also damn fine musicians. The band recently released their new album What You Need, which should be instantly appealing to fans of Bedouin Soundclash and even Vampire Weekend.Check them out for yourself with this catchy little downloadable ditty:"No Play"- MP3Soulicitors'
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Nirvana: "Live At Reading" (album review)
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What the heck can I say about Nirvana that hasn't already been said? The trio had an immeasurable impact on my budding love for music in my teenage years.This week we see a couple of reminders of the legacy that Nirvana has left. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of their debut album Bleach we get a remaster of that record. More interesting though is the DVD/CD release of the band's
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Bebel Gilberto and Mark Ronson: "The Real Thing" (MP3)
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Brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto recently released her latest album All In One. One of the tracks on that record saw her and super-DJ Mark Ronson remake the Sergio Mendes/Stevie Wonder classic "The Real Thing".We're able to give you that track all free and legal like:"The Real Thing"- MP3Enjoy!Bebel Gilberto plays the Sound Academy in Toronto on November 30th.Bebel Gilberto's website
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Q&A with Nana Grizol's Theo Hilton
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Athens, GA's Nana Grizol have their new album Ruth out now digitally with a physical CD due in January. In support the band play the Dakota Tavern here in Toronto on November 12th. I had the opportunity recently to speak with singer/songwriter Theo Hilton about the album, tour and more.Here's our conversation: T.O. Snob: First off, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Who is Ruth?
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Lightspeed Champion: new album details, teaser (video)
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Album:Life Is Sweet! Nice to Meet You
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Track:Marlene
Eclectic artist Lightspeed Champion has announced the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album. Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You will be released in the UK on February 1st. I'm going out on a limb and making the assumption that the North American release will be the 2nd (update: wrong, it turns out the NA date is Feb. 16th).We have a teaser for the first single "Marlene" for you now:
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Motion City Soundtrack announce new album, give away track
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Album:My Dinosaur Life
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Track:Disappear
Pop punks Motion City Soundtrack have announced the release of their new studio album. My Dinosaur Life was produced by Blink-182's Mark Hoppus and will hit store shelves on January 19th.Those looking for a preview can get a free download of the track "Disappear" from the band's website.Here's a look at the track listing:Worker BeeA Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)Her Words
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Ash Koley: "Mary the Inventor" (MP3)
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Artist:Ash Koley
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Album:The White EP
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Track:Mary The Inventor
Winnipeg indie popster Ash Koley will be releasing a series of EPs through iTunes in the coming months. The first, The White EP, is set for a November 10th release date.Koley and her partner Phil Deschambault pen incredibly catchy songs that use fun arrangements to augment Koley's great vocals.Grab this download to hear what I'm talking about:"Mary the Inventor"- MP3Ash Koley's Myspace
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