Songs of the Week: August 10 - 17, 2025

“Winchester Mansion of Sound” by Neko Case

I am so excited for the new album from Neko Case, and last week we got the latest tease of it, with the new single “Winchester Mansion of Sound”

The gorgeous piano-driven song is inspired by Case’s late friend & collaborator Dexter Romweber of the Flat Duo Jets, though it was originally written two years before his passing. Case wrote in her recent memoir The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You, the first time she heard Romweber’s group, “something unlocked in her that day, the way making music could become a physical manifestation of the blazing wild horse energy inside of her body.” Calling it “not a romantic love, but an all-consuming one”

The new album, Neon Grey Midnight Green, comes out September 26th, and Case is embarking on a lengthy tour after its release, including a stop here at The Vogue Theatre on November 13!

• Kirk

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“Ordinary Dreamers” by Jets Overhead

It’s been over a decade since we last heard from Victoria BC’s Jets Overhead, but last week they released a brand new song… sort of.

“Ordinary Dreamers” is an unreleased track, written around 2011 with their Boredom and Joy album, and is the first single from the band’s archive project that will see them releasing old songs, rarities, and demos from their “vaults” over the next couple years.

The song is (appropriately enough) a dreamy throwback, so have a listen below!

• Kirk

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“Keep On Breaking My Heart” by Yukon Blonde

We’re creeping closer the the release date for Yukon Blonde’s new album Friendship & Rock ‘N’ Roll - which is due out September 19th!

The latest single “Keep On Breaking My Heart” has a bittersweet story behind the making of it (as a photographer, this story broke my heart [get it?]):

“The song was the first track band member Jeffrey Innes (guitar, vocals, keys) wrote on his Rickenbacker 12-string, a guitar he’d dreamed of owning for years. “I was listening to a lot of bands like the Byrds and Tom Petty,” he explains, “so when a ’90s Rickenbacker 12 came up at my local pawnshop, I kinda had to have it.” The only hitch? He didn’t have the money. To make it happen, he sold his beloved Leica M3 film camera, a fixture in his life since Yukon Blonde's On Blonde album era. “It was kind of heartbreaking,” he admits. The camera had travelled the world with him, capturing “many beautiful people and bands in many beautiful places…
Once the guitar was in his hands, he was flooded with conflicting emotions: “I couldn’t decide if I had made a huge mistake, so my only course of action was to write some damn good music on it.”… Within 20 minutes of picking it up, he had the bones of "Keep On Breaking My Heart". “I’d like to imagine that the lyrical motif was partly inspired by the break-up of my camera, and 60 years of jangly, rock ’n’ roll heartbreak. It just came out this way, and I’m happy it did.”

If you want to hear these songs live, the band is performing at “Flats Fest” on September 6th, and then they’re taking the album on tour in September.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: June 23 - 29, 2025

“Wrong, Wrong, Wrong” by Great Lake Swimmers

Every time Ontario’s Great Lake Swimmers release a new song I remember they’re going on tour with Elliott BROOD…and then I remember it’s not until October.

The latest offering is titled “Wrong, Wrong, Wrong” - a song, according to lead singer Tony Dekker about “being on the edge, in deep despair. The consolation is that it places trust in the understanding of the listener – it’s almost as if the song is speaking directly to a sympathetic friend. Although the music and instrumentation deceptively suggest a sunnier attitude, the lyrical gist is about trying to make sense of a deeply troubled world."

Really love the pedal steel on this track (played by Jimmy Bowskill) as it give the song a bit of a twang. Check it out below!

• Christine

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“Adore You” by Yukon Blonde

Last month, Yukon Blonde dropped their first new single in a while, and now they’ve not only released a second song, but announced a new album as well!

The new song, “Adore You” is a high energy ode to rock & roll and performing on stage, and I can already picture it as being the big closer to their set as they hit song festivals this summer, and go out on the road this fall.

Bassist James Younger elaborates, “Songs can be signifiers of a mood—they can capture something ethereal. I once told Brandon, right before a show, to "leave it all out there.” A couple of months later, he brought it up, said he liked that feeling, that call to arms. This song is about exactly that. Leaving it all out there. Playing your heart out for the people who showed up, who paid to be in the room with you. It’s a thank you to them, and to the wild, winding musical journey that brought us all into the same space, at the same time, chasing the same electric moment.”

Friendship & Rock 'n' Roll is out Sept 19 on Dine Alone Records, and you can check out the lyric video below, which needs to be cranked loud.

• Kirk

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“Château de sable” by Cœur de pirate

Following a three year hiatus, Coeur de pirate recently announced a new album and shared the title track. Now, she’s giving another tease with the latest single “Château de sable”

Translating to “Sandcastle”, the new song is a lush, piano-laden song with Cœur de pirate’s gorgeous vocals soaring en français.

The new album Cavale releases September 26 via her label Bravo Music, and you can check out the dreamy video for “Château de sable” below!

• Kirk

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“Samson & Delilah (Circa 2003)” by Matt Patershuk

On Friday, Alberta singer/songwriter Matt Patershuk announced his sixth studio album, DOG. TIGER. HORSES. and shared the opening track “Samson & Delilah (Circa 2003)”

The new single features Matt’s warm vocals paired with a folk twang, for a song with some very unexpected inspiration: the Kelis banger “Milkshake”.

Patershuk elaborates, “I took the well-worn Bible story of Samson & Delilah and brought it forward to 2003 when Kelis’ song was eating up the airwaves. Though I’m not a religious person, I love Bible stories for the same reason that I love old folk songs. The have been polished to near perfection over a long time, and the good ones distill some important element of the human experience for us to consider. This song is told from Samson’s point of view. Betrayal, deserved or not, is a large, dusty, dry pill to swallow.”

Have a listen for yourself below, and mark September 19th for the release of DOG. TIGER. HORSES. on Black Hen Music.

• Kirk

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“Home” by Mac DeMarco

As someone that just spent 5 days in the woods and on the water, this new Mac DeMarco song (“Home”) made me smile because the video is of him canoeing - apparently near his mom’s home in Canada. Many birds (and a seal!) make an appearance, including some Canada geese.

The new single comes with an announcement of a new record, titled Guitar, that Mac says is: “as close to a true representation of where I’m at in my life today as I can manage to put to paper. I’m happy to share this music, and look forward to playing these songs as many places as I’m able.”

The album will be released on August 22nd and you can pre-order it right now - and hopefully hear the new tracks…if you got a ticket to his sold-out show on September 24th in Vancouver!

• Christine

Songs of the Week: May 19 - 25, 2025

“Colours of My Dreams” by Yukon Blonde

Yukon Blonde is back with a brand new single about the highs and lows of being in a band, called “Colours of My Dreams”.

Bassist & singer James Younger says “Playing in a band is like being in a family. It’s a cliché, but most clichés stick around because they’re rooted in something real,” but also adds “There’s the other side too: the fights, the quiet grudges, the cold stares when someone’s not pulling their weight during a snowy 2 a.m. load-out in Montreal.” Younger finishes by sharing, “Over the last decade, one thing’s stayed solid: when life goes sideways and the ground starts to shake, that damp room and this band have been the only place I’ve wanted to be. It’s the one thing that keeps setting me straight again.”

“Colours of My Dreams” is exactly the jam you would expect from the band, which you can listen to below!

• Kirk

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“Give It Up” by Royal Wood

One of Canada’s smoothest vocalists Royal Wood is back with a brand new single, “Give It Up”.

The raucous song is about tuning out the noise, with the singer/songwriter explaining: “This song is a message to myself to live to my fullest potential at a time when the world is all too scary and social media tells us to be like them. It's a call to action, a reminder to listen to the quiet voice within, make genuine art, and truly live the life I choose. After all, why else are we here?”

Check out the video below!

• Kirk

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“Finger” by Mother Mother

Well, the first line in this song certainly grabbed my attention immediately.

“Finger” is the latest track from Mother Mother, off their upcoming album Nostalgia, and explores double standards and gender roles. Singer Ryan Guldemond elaborates: “The song addresses several societal double standards: the stigma surrounding female promiscuity compared to the celebration of male conquest, the absurdity of the animal class system — why are some creatures considered food while others are viewed as pets? — and the feelings of shame that heterosexual men may experience when exploring sensual pleasures that are not traditionally considered masculine.”

You’ll have to check out the video — directed by Sterling Larose — to hear that opening line for yourself (I don’t want to spoil it). And mark June 6th on your calendars for the release of Mother Mother’s tenth(!) studio album, Nostalgia.

• Kirk

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“One More Dance Around The Sun” by Great Lake Swimmers

So excited that Great Lake Swimmers are back with their first new music since 2023’s Uncertain Country.

The timing of the release couldn’t be more perfect as “One More Dance Around The Sun” is the perfect summertime road-trip song - and the weather is starting to match that now!

Of the tune lead singer Tony Dekker says: “This song pinpoints a very distinct feeling for me. Riding around in the summertime with the windows down — maybe after a solid workday, maybe on route to an epic road trip, or maybe just seeing familiar surroundings with renewed vision. It’s about perseverance, new beginnings, and the searching that invites wisdom and perspective as the planet spins on.”

The band also announced a tour with Ontario’s Elliott BROOD but we’re going to have to wait until October 23rd to see them in Vancouver at the Biltmore Cabaret.

• Christine

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“If You're Gonna Change Your Mind” by Logan Richard

Last Friday, Logan Richard released his latest album Character Traits, as well as a video for the track “If You're Gonna Change Your Mind”.

The song is a funky jam that Richard co-wrote with his friend Chris Kirby, and he explains “We wanted to write a fun song that I could rip a guitar solo over, and we came up with this. I think it is groovy, and love all the sweet sounds that producer Josh Van Tassel threw on it.”

You can check out the chill park video below for that solo, and pick up Character Traits now!

• Kirk

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“Gher Bede (Sanguijuela)” by Empanadas Ilegales

Vancouver band Empanadas Ilegales is about to release their new record, Sancocho Trifásico, on June 6th and they’re celebrating with a record release party on the same day at the Hollywood Theatre.

The latest single “Gher Bede (Sanguijuela)” took inspiration from Swan Lake and reimagined it with “classical inspiration and Latin psychedelia”. Plus the title “Gher Bede” translates from Farsi as 'shake it,' 'groove,' or 'move your hips' - which you’ll definitely be doing when you hear them perform.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: August 07 - 13, 2023

“Cry All Day” by Spencer Krug

Spencer Krug has been hard at work for the last couple years. Two solo albums, an instrumental album, and a Sunset Rubdown reunion tour, yet he’s still at it.

“Cry All Day” is the first single off his latest solo album, I Just Drew This Knife, which is actually a collaboration between Krug, Jordan Koop, and Eli Browning. Krug’s distinct vocals were added to Browning's instrumental pandemic recordings, with Koop on lead guitar.

The new album is due October 13 on Krug's own Pronounced Kroog label, and he’ll be touring with Koop and Browning, including a show here in Vancouver at the Fox Cabaret on October 18th!

• Kirk

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“You Always Get What You Want” by Yukon Blonde

Always a great week when you find out there is a new Yukon Blonde album on it’s way!

Shuggie will be the band’s 6th album, and is going to be released on October 12th via Dine Alone Records. We also got a new track, “You Always Get What You Want”, the 3rd single from the new record.

The new music fits smoothly into Yukon Blonde’s latest sound evolution, with hypnotic vibes and synth-laden tracks. I can’t wait for the full album in two months!

• Christine

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“Nothing is Perfect” by Metric

Metric is here to remind you that “Nothing is Perfect”. The new tease of their upcoming album, which is a ‘sequel’ to their 2022 album Formentera, is a gorgeous, stripped down track. Emily Haines explains:

“'Nothing Is Perfect' stands out on Formentera II as the lone track that is carried by only acoustic guitar and vocals. We explored many renditions of this song during the recording process, but in the end found that everything we tried adding seemed to detract from the essence of it. Lyrically, 'Nothing Is Perfect' takes the common expression away from its usual meaning, giving substance to “nothing” as a concrete thing that can be actively pursued and obtained: Nothing is perfect/ I've earned it/ All absence achieved/ No fences, no exits, no lies. For the official music video, we worked with Justin Broadbent to create an atmospheric and surreal visual accompaniment to enhance the otherworldly mood of the song, with stylistic nods to Terrence Malick and David Lynch. The song ends with a meditative and anthemic repetition of the word “nothing”, like I'm celebrating it and singing its praises. I love nothing!”

Formentera II is also out October 13th, and you can check out the video below!

• Kirk

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“Starting Again” by Royal Wood

Royal Wood is a name I haven’t heard for a hot minute, but I was super excited to see that he had new music out!
Not only do we have today’s single “Starting Again”, but I completely missed the other release “Just Another Day” which is the title track of the EP (due out September 22nd - also the first day of his latest tour).

Of “Starting Again” Royal Wood says: “This song was inspired by the timeless idea of love and loss. Since the beginning of stories and recorded art, the theme is as old as the sea. Two ships sailing together, go different routes, never to return to each other again. Fate had other plans and more adventures ahead. So you start again…”

Wood is heading out on the road with the legendary Bonnie Raitt, but you’ll have to head to Penticton to catch them, as that’s as far west as they look to be heading.

• Christine

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“Even if it Kills Me” by Charlie PS

Last week Vancouver’s Charlie PS released her latest single, “Even If It Kills Me”.

The blues-rock influenced song was written about change & perseverance, with Charlie elaborating: “I feel that a lot of people agonize over their flaws and insecurities or just care too much and want to change into a version of themselves they think will make them happier. But I hope that ‘Even If It Kills Me’ will help remind people that being the realest version of yourself and showing the world the good, the bad and the ugly is a much more freeing place to be in.”

The song is the title track for her upcoming EP, Even If It Kills Me, which should be out later this year.

• Kirk
  

Songs of the Week: May 08 - 14, 2023

“Up 2 U” by Yukon Blonde

Yukon Blonde is back! Nearly three years after their last album, the group have dropped an incredibly earwormy new single, "Up 2 U".

Much like their last album, the new tune fuses some classic guitar licks & cowbell with more modern synth, and of course features their impeccable harmonies.

Singer Jeffrey Innes says “‘Up 2 U’ is a classic 120 BPM bop inspired by the kind of thing you’d see on the Midnight Special or Soul Train. I always wanted one of those DVDs you’d see advertised on those late night infomercials back in the day, but my family didn’t have any money and my mom thought they were a scam. She almost gave in once when we saw Marvin Gaye and Redbone on one, but in the end it never happened. Lyrically, the song is about personal choice and ignoring the narrow-minded folks who just can’t seem to stay out of your business.”

No solid word yet on a full length album to go with the song, but the band is teasing for later this year!

• Kirk

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“Shake It” by The Matinee

We’re gettin’ groovy this Monday morning!

Another new tune from Vancouver band The Matinee, “Shake It” follows the release of “Bad Addiction” and “Road To Hell”, and takes the band in another direction musically.

While listening I pictured a 50’s-era high school dance scene from a movie (the visualizer video below pretty much nailed that!), but lead singer Matt Layzell has a whole vision about the song:
“I imagine this song in an Audi or a Volkswagon commercial… A well-dressed guy pulls up at dusk to a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house and tosses a stone up at the second-floor bay window. His lover comes running out and hops over the door and into the convertible passenger side. They speed off all smiles grooving along to the song as they wind down the empty, lamp-lit street, likely headed for some late-night hot spot. I often picture the imagery this way in the songs we write, drafting the video as we craft the tune. In this one, it’s clear. Sometimes we all just need a good night out to get the blood pumping and feel that heart beating a little louder. Sometimes, things move fast. Sometimes, there’s someone that you just can’t resist.”

No official release date for the new album yet, but I’m sure there is more to come as the band gears up for summer touring.

• Christine

Song of the Day: January 17, 2020 - "Summers On Fire" by Brandon Wolfe Scott

To celebrate the release of his brand new solo EP, Yukon Blonde’s Brandon Wolfe Scott released a video for the latest single, “Summers on Fire”.

The song, as you may guess from the title, is about climate change, with Scott saying “Having spent a few years living in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, rising temperatures and wildfires have become an annual summer tragedy along with the coast of California, and of course the absolute catastrophe currently taking place in Australia. The narrative is not me preaching, but more about stepping outside my own echo chamber of ignorance. Looking to the future generation I think it's important to inspire change and hope in the face of sadness and ecological grief."

The EP is available today/right now(!) and you can also check out the album release show tonight at China Cloud! OR, an afternoon show at We Are The City’s RIP Store on Jan 26, which promises a special guest as well.

Song of the Day: October 31, 2018 - "Feeling Digital" by Yukon Blonde

Happy Halloween!

I was wondering if we’d get a spooky-themed song or video this year in our inboxes, and we got the latter!

Yukon Blonde has released a video for their song “Feeling Digital” from the recent LP Critical Hit, and I’m not going to spoil it for you (though I hope you aren’t afraid of clowns)……you’ll just have to watch it below.

Oh, and while you’re at it, get tickets to their show with The Zolas at the Commodore on December 5th!

Song of the Day: May 22, 2018 - "Too Close To Love" by Yukon Blonde

As we get closer to the release of Critical Hit, Yukon Blonde is teasing us with yet another new song from the album. 

Inspired by Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, the pulsing 80's tinge of "Too Close To Live" is more proof that it might be their most eclectic album yet. Check it out below!