AUGUST
The Stolen MinksHigh KicksGuaranteed more fun than a bag full of LOLcats and louder, too, the city’s favourite all-lady garage rock band is back with karate-style dance vengeance. (release scheduled for Aug 22 at Gus’ Pub)
Click here to listen to the 'Minks new song, "Bring it!"Speedy RecoveryGrab the WheelThe tentatively titled debut LP from this four-piece was recorded with one mic to honour the band’s live “upbeat rock sound.” (tentative release date: Aug 22)
Quiet ParadeLabour DayTrevor Murphy (and a few friends) takes some time off from Sleepless Nights and The Establishment to march in the Quiet Parade, his solo band project. (Aug 23 at Ginger’s Tavern)Click here to listen to Quiet Parade's song, Only Bones
SEPTEMBER
spesh k The Main EventRecorded in Montreal, the MC’s sixth solo album features some heavy-hitting guests such as Moka Only, Copywrite and Sadat X from ’90s hip-hop icons Brand Nubian. (Sept 8)
Todd Michalikthe year of the hippoMonday’s the new Friday, according to Todd Michalik’s song “Amateur Hour.” But he’s no newbie: Michalik’s been on the scene since the ’90s, playing with bands such as Grain Elevator and The Rest. (Sept 8, tentative)
The Memories AttackTBAAccording to their MySpace, Chris Thompson and Ron Bates sound like an owl playing a flute. That’s one sweet pop-loving, harmonizing couple of birds. A split release with noyes Records and San Fran label tUMULt. (Sept 9)Click here to listen to TMA's song, "Peaks and Valleys"
Ian Alistair Gosbeeout of the shadows You’d never guess from this multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter’s quiet songs that he also plays in the KISS tribute band, Dressed 2 Kill (he’s Gene, ladies). (Sept 11)
Husband & Knife An EndDog Day’s KC Spidle steps away from the drums to deliver an incredible personal and emotionally dark folk album, reminiscent of young, hard-livin’ Johnny Cash, with Ian Curtis’ intensity. Pre-order now from divorcerecords.ca (or in person at Lost & Found, 2383 Agricola) and you’ll receive a bonus EP and a poster of Rachael Parson’s cover art. (Sept 12) Click here to play the new Husband & Knife song, "The Sea"
Gillian BoucherElementalRecorded at the infamous star-maker Studio H, with CBC Radio Canada, Boucher describes her debut as “Celtic/experimental/contemporary in nature.” (Sept 15)
Kestrels“Seaside” b/w “On Our Time” This seven-inch is the first for pop trio Kestrels, featuring members of The Medium Mood and The Got To Get Got. Not only does it sound good, it looks like solid gold, thanks to white vinyl and artwork by Nicole Legault (lookidrewyou.com). No turntable? Never mind, the vinyl comes with a download code for both tracks, plus a special bonus. (Sept 16, tentative)Click here to listen to The Kestrels new song, Seaside
Ryan MacGrathBell BoyIt’s a busy fall season for MacGrath as the singer releases both his solo album and his band, The Missing City Starlight, puts out Celebrity Death. (Sept 22)
Meaghan SmithThe Cricket’s OrchestraAlthough the full-length version isn’t coming until early 2009, we get a taste this month from a Cricket’s EP. But then you already knew about that from the “Shooting star” feature on page 12. (Sept 23)
HermitofthewoodsLove’s Dark Season and Higher State Blowback TheoryLove’s Dark Season is the second solo effort from half of The IMF, those intelligent motherfuckers. But the politically minded hip-hop crew can’t stay apart for too long: Hermitofthewoods and EMC reunite once again as Higher State. (TBA)
Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful BeesTitle TBAThe city’s best-dressed band (gotta love those stylin’ shiny gold outfits) releases their eagerly anticipated debut full-length. (Late Sept)
OCTOBER
WizardThe Wanderer Of course with a name like Wizard (they can’t give all the mystery away), you can expect a certain level of secrecy about their debut release. (Oct 1)
The GrassTitle TBAIt’s been a couple of years since we’ve had a new album from this fun folk-rock alt-country outfit, which scored first runner-up for best band to get trashed to in last year’s Best of Music readers’ poll. We’re really thirsty now. (Oct 3 at The Seahorse Tavern)
Fall HorsieDevil(e)durge Fall Horsie, AKA Justin Karas, splits time between piano and guitar---backed up with viola, violin, drums and trombone---on this orchestral, psychedelic album, written a few years ago when he was frequently visited by the image of a (non-denominational) devil. (Oct 4 at North Street Church)Click here to listen to Fall Horsie's new song, "The Devil's Performance"
Stacy Lloyd BrownAutomaticThis is the singer-songwriter’s second release this year, available on his own label, Musical Chair Music, which is also jointly releasing Fall Horsie’s Devil(e)durge with Youth Club Records. (Brown also recorded and engineered the album, with help from Joel Waddel.) (Oct 4 at North Street Church) The Missing City Starlight Celebrity DeathLead vocalist and writer Ryan McGrath’s second release this season, with his band The Missing City Starlight. (Oct 6)
INSTRUMENTSNational Laboratory Former members of The Motes, J. LaPointe, Jon Hutt and Daniel MacDonald, reunite once again for this 12-inch vinyl (also available digitally) feast of instrumental experimental rock. (Oct 21)
Murder SoundsMurder SoundsIf you loved HOTSHOTROBOT and their killer keyboards, you’ll scream for Murder Sounds, a partnership between former ROBOTs Andrew Gormley and Jen Clarke. (TBA)
Urban Surf KingsLearn to SkiAssuming that they mean waterskiing (although snow would be funny), USK bring the surf to landlubbers with their new seven-inch, four-song EP. (TBA)
Myles Deck and the FuzzPolice Cops EPPut your hands up for this garage-punk band’s new EP, produced by some guy named Joel Plaskett. (TBA)
Al TuckThe Door to the Sun (tentative)Will someone declare this hard-working guy a national treasure already? Expect his latest, the first since 2005’s my blues away, in late October or early November.
The MaynardsDate & DestroyJust the thought of a new Maynards album, their first since 2005, is inspiring an epidemic of French-kissing all over this fine city. Yeah! Get out the chapstick. (TBA)
NOVEMBER
No Flyers PleaseRadio MusicExpect to see plenty of flyers posted on poles for this dance-punk band’s first release. (Nov 28 at Gus' Pub)
Brad LeatonSuicidal Foreplay“Alone,” the first single off Leaton’s “dark folk” album, featuring Dale Murray and Bruce Aitken, was released old-school-style on cassette at Gus’ Pub. (Nov 30) Click here to listen to Brad Leaton's new song, "Alone."
VKNGSTitle TBAYa gotta love confidence in a band. Apparently VKNGS are so happy with their upcoming 12-inch (they’ve been working on it for a long time), they’re going to give away their old 12-inch at the release show. (TBA)
NO DATE, BUT WE CAN’T WAIT
In-Flight Safetywe are an empire,my dearAccording to singer/guitarist John Mullane, the album’s recorded and ready to go---even the cover art is ready. Now, all the throngs of In-Flight fans are waiting for now is a date.
The Heavy BlinkersHealthRumours of release dates for The Heavy Blinkers’ concept album (including guest spots by Sondre Lerche and The High Llamas) have sporadically popped up for the last couple of years. It looks like all that wishful thinking has finally paid off.
Mike EvinGood WatermelonThe charming piano man releases his first album since moving here from Toronto and it’s chockful of sweet, fun tunes that both your mom and friends will love.
The Prospectors UnionSyracuseStop your digging for alt-country gold, The Prospectors Union’s debut EP is a guaranteed treasure since it features Matt Charlton (whose other band, the Van Damme-loving Bloodsport, is also releasing an EP this fall), Andrew Sisk, David Casey, Jason MacIsaac, Christina Martin, Dan Ledwell and John Mullane.
TacktishionReservoir HungerUniversal Soul’s Tacktishion’s solo project was two years in the making and features collaborations with Moka Only, Slowcoaster, Jimmy Swift Band, Joel Plaskett, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, Spesh K, IZrEAL and Cindy Cain. There’s a new Universal Soul album, too, just in time for the ECMAs.