Songs of the Week: March 15 - 21, 2021

“Honey Lungs” by Said the Whale

Despite certain… worldwide events… 2020 was a very busy year for Said the Whale. Along with frequent livestreams, the band was hard at work on a new batch of songs, with the first self-released single dropping last week.
“Honey Lungs” reminds me of the grittiness of some of the bands early songs, but with modern day production — even if I didn’t know they were working with Steve Bays (of Hot Hot Heat, Mounties, and like eleventeen other bands) I feel like I would have been able to tell just from listening — and will absolutely be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Risk the earworm below, or check out the band’s Patreon for sneak peaks of more to come!

• Kirk

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“How Come By Body” by Half Moon Run

Beautiful new single from the newly JUNO-nominated (for Group Of The Year and Adult Alternative Album of The Year) Half Moon Run. “How Come My Body” is dreamy and simplistic, and comes with a video that made me miss live shows and people even more. We don’t have a set date for the new album, just a “later this year” - but in the meantime, more of this please!

• Christine

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“I Wanna Make Promises (That I Can’t Keep)” by Whitehorse

Surprise! Not only did Whitehorse release a new song last week, but announced a brand new album was to come mere days later! Modern Love released Friday, and lead single “I Wanna Make Promises (That I Can’t Keep)” is a laid back, sultry number, with an early contender for lyrics of the year:

Let’s argue in Ikea
Make a scene, go home and fuck
On unassembled furniture
Fresh off the moving truck

• Kirk

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“Parade” by Lydia Ainsworth

Ahead of her brand new album Sparkles & Debris (due out May 21), Lydia Ainsworth has released a gorgeous new song called “Paradise”. Her ethereal voice is backed by her usual electronic soundscapes, but in a departure from her previous albums, Ainsworth is also joined by live drums, guitars, and bass for this album. If the first single is any indication to how the rest of the album will be, I can’t wait to hear it.

• Kirk

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“Starlight” by Chad VanGaalen

Two weeks ago Chad VanGaalen released another song from his now-released album World's Most Stressed Out Gardener, and I lamented the fact that it didn’t come with a music video.
Well, cut to this week, the full album is released and another single, “Starlight”, gets the signature VanGaalen music video treatment. This is slowly becoming one of my favourite records of the year.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: March 08 - 14, 2021

“Crab Walking Home In The Rain” by Jason Collett

Not only are we getting a brand new song from Jason Collett — the first in nearly 5 years — but we’re getting a brand new song from Jason Collett that was arranged and produced by Andy Shauf.
The awesomely titled ”Crab Walking Homer In The Rain” sounds exactly as good as you would expect from the pair, and is the first single off Collett’s upcoming Best Of album. The album is out at the end of this week, March 19, and along with the new single, features a dozen songs spanning the singer’s two-decade career.

• Kirk

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“Another Dimension (feat. Cadence Weapon)” by The Zolas

Over the last year or so, The Zolas have been releasing a slow drip of new songs, with the latest being described as a post-pandemic anthem (as opposed to their usual post-apocalyptic anthems).
“Another Dimension” features a chest-thumping bassline that can’t wait to get out of the house, along with a verse by none other than Cadence Weapon. Have a listen for yourself below.

• Kirk
  

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“Machine” by Mani Khaira

Vancouver musician Mani Khaira released a new video this week for his song “Machine”. The track comes from his latest EP Face First, and if features actor and dancer Brennan Clost from Netflix’s 'Tiny Pretty Things'. Beautifully choreographed, the dancing and mood match the powerful song perfectly. Have a look below!

• Christine

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“Don't Wait” by JEEN

“Don’t Wait” is a fitting title for the latest single from JEEN. Released only few months after her self-titled album from last October, the song is a tease to her newest album, scheduled for this coming October.
Featuring vocals from bandmate and co-producer Ian Blurton, “Don’t Wait” is a raw anthem that needs to be cranked loud.

• Kirk

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“Just What I Needed” by k-os

k-os covering “Just What I Needed” by The Cars is literally JUST WHAT I NEEDED this week.
I think that’s enough said.

• Christine

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“Hold On” by Justin Bieber

Okay, Kirk may shoot me for this, but Bieber made a love letter video to my favourite hockey team with his new song “Hold On” and it put a HUGE SMILE on my face this week. I miss live hockey and watching in the bar with other fans so this hit me in the feels.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: March 01 - 07, 2021

“Honey Trap” by Kandle

If the first two singles are anything to go by, Kandle is going for a “Neo Noir James Bond” vibe for her new album, and I am all for it. “Honey Trap” is the latest single for the upcoming Set The Fire, and features some familiar voices like Louise Burns, Debra-Jean Creelman, and Kendel Carsen. A fierce song about “breaking free from a sticky power struggle”, it may not be a coincidence that the song comes out after Kandle leaving her label and releasing her first independent EP last year.
But hear for yourself, and check out the video — directed by Brandon William Fletcher — below!

• Kirk

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“I Got Love” and “Stay Behind” by Mother Mother

Not content with one new song from Vancouver’s Mother Mother? How about TWO? Their first new releases since blowing up on Tik Tok (I know, right?), both songs encapsulate everything you love about the band; “I Got Love” being brash and infectious and “Stay Behind” more chill and melodic, with playful vocals and clever lyrics on both.
Have a listen to “I Got Love” below, or how about “Stay Behind” right here.

• Kirk

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“Nightwaves” by Chad VanGaalen

I’m kinda sad this is just the song and not another gem of a music video from Chad VanGaalen but it’s still a great new track. “Nightwaves” is dreamy and odd - pretty much exactly what you’d expect from VanGaalen. Also completely on brand is the title of the new album that comes out on March 19th - World's Most Stressed Out Gardener. You gotta love it.

• Christine

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“4521.0kHz 6730.0kHz 4109.09kHz” by Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Okay, this one is less a “Song” of the Week and more an “Album Tease” of the Week.
A few days ago it was announced that the brand new Godspeed You! Black Emperor would be coming out April 2nd, but the band was very clear that “there will be no advance “singles” on SpotifApple or other streaming platforms. The record is not available for preorder on Amazon” so all we’re getting until then is the 60 second clip below. UNLESS you hit your local record store, which may be receiving an advance 10” and will be encouraged to share clips or play in-store. Find out more about that, or preorder the album G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END! for yourself, right here.

• Kirk

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“Pissed at the Disco” by Adnama

I know CBC Radio 3 isn’t anywhere near what it once was, but every once in a while I’ll be listening and still find a new gem. Case in point, a few years ago I Vancouver’s Adnama, whose EP Ghost Like Me made its way into my regular rotation.
Flash forward to the present, where Adnama has released a brand new song, “Pissed in the Disco”., a synthy pop tune that very much sounds like you would expect from the title. Hopefully it’s a hint of more to come.

• Kirk

Songs of the Week: February 22 - 28, 2021

“Forever Fool” by The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer

It’s been almost four years since we got the album Apocalipstick from Vancouver’s The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. So what comes next? Obviously, it’s the Post-Apocalipstick.
The new album is “a collection of songs which takes disparate elements from our 2017 record, puts them in a blender, and spits out completely new interpretations.” and the first taste we’re getting it a dark and moody, electronic spin on the song “Forever Fool”.
Have a listen below, and compare it to the original “Forever Fool” right here.

• Kirk

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“No Rules” by Autogramm

You know your band has a heck of a pedigree when you have three members whose credits include Destroyer, Black Mountain, Lightning Dust, Black Halos, Spitfires, and Blood Meridian (among others!).
Autogramm returned last week with the title track to their upcoming sophomore album, No Rules, due out April 16. With incredible energy and a sing-a-long chorus, the song also features a video that is a shot-for-shot remake of Billy Joel’s “Sometimes A Fantasy.”

• Kirk

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“Home” by Russell Louder

Two years in the making, PEI’s Russel Louder released their brand new album, Humor, last week. The lead track — and latest single — “Home” features Russell’s incredible voice soaring over the synthy beats of a song that they describe as “…the introduction. It is the wandering protagonist who sets the tone for the entire album. The idea of finding “home” is now a question, not an answer. Elements of preparation, the romanticizing of arrival, deep, deep uncertainty, pain, lack of belonging – yet bursting with hope.”

• Kirk

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“Sugar Pill” by METZ

Sometimes Monday’s call for something loud.

Today “Sugar Pill” by Metz is doing it for me. Last month they released this video for the song, which appears on their 2020 album Atlas Vending, which I’ve been listening to a lot lately. Crank up your speakers and hit play.

• Christine

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“Young Libertine” by Left Field Messiah

It’s going to be a while still until the full debut album by Left Field Messiah is released (July 23rd), but the singles and music videos keep coming. If you missed the announcement, this latest super group contains Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat), Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz & The Tantrums), and Erik Janson (formerly Wildling).
The “Young Libertine” video, like the ones for “Fuzz Machine” and “A.M. Moonlight” were done by Johnny Jansen and are fun, psychedelic romps.

• Christine

Songs of the Week: February 15 - 21, 2021

“Obeah” by Haviah Mighty

2019’s Polaris Prize winner Haviah Mighty continues to kick ass and take name (check out that awesome promo pic above!). Her latest single “Obeah” which she co-produced with her brother ocuses on “trust, spirituality, her close connection to family and a belief that the energies around you dictate what you allow in your life in order to prosper”.
The whole release seems like a family affair, with her father also appearing in the video!

-Christine

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“Good Place To Hide (At The Time)” by Partner

I’ve enjoyed Partner since discovering them via their Polaris Prize nomination, and since that debut album, their sound continues to evolve. When I saw the words “RUSH-inspired” in their press release for this song (“Good Place To Hide (At The Time)”), I knew it was going to be a banger.
In true Partner form, the press release also came with a content warning, which I’ll also pass along……..
….
There are clowns/mimes in this video.

-Christine

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“Slow Riser” by Bad Pop

If you’ve been a fan of Bad Pop since their days as Hot Panda, then you may just recognise this first single since their three year hiatus. “Slow Riser” lands directly in the middle of the trio’s Venn diagram of catchiness & grittiness, and is the first tease of a brand new album, due out in March.

- Kirk

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“Don’t Panic” by Mike Edel

Victoria’s Mike Edel kicks off his new series of cover songs with a classic from Coldplay. The first of four covers, Mike’s version of “Don’t Panic” both honours the original while still putting his own style on the song, somehow managing to make it more mellow.

- Kirk

Songs of the Week: Feb 08 - 14, 2021

“Night Danger (Lovers Mix)” by iskwē

One of the best livestreams I've seen over the last year was iskwē performing with a small string section, so I was very happy to see the news about The Stars. The new EP sees her backed by a trio of piano, violin, and cello, with “reimagined” songs off her last album acākosīk, featuring new arrangements.
Upon first listen, “Night Danger (Lovers Mix)” — where she’s backed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra — sent actual chills down my spine, so I can’t wait for the album to come out March 5th, with a special livestream the night before. - Kirk

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“Stories” by Sarah Neufeld

Sticking with the “gorgeous strings” genre, Sarah Neufeld (long-time member of Arcade Fire and founding member of Bell Orchestre) released the first single to her upcoming album Detritus last week.
”Stories” is a ghostly, sprawling song that “compels us to face the stories we’ve told ourselves that we can no longer believe.”
Drift away with the song below, and look for the album on May 14. - Kirk

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“Quiet” by Megan Nash

First off, “The Best of Intentions” is my favourite backing band name in recent memory.
Second, if you need a “Parking Lot Approved workout”, then Megan Nash has you covered with the brand new video for her song “Quiet”, which would provide a perfect soundtrack for those exercises. - Kirk

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“Big Lies” by Alex Little & The Suspicious Minds

Vancouver’s Alex Little and the Suspicious Minds released their latest single “Big Lies” last week, and I dare you to listen to this song and not have it stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Hopefully this new single, along with a few released last year, indicate a new album from the group sooner rather than later!

- Kirk

Songs of the Week: Feb 01 - 07, 2021

“Parking Lot” by The Weather Station

Not only did The Weather Station release her brand new album, Ignorance, last Friday, but also a new video for “Parking Lot”. With vulnerable vocals and heartbreaking lyrics juxtaposed with the dancey beat, if you like this song then you’re going to love the rest of the album (it’s really good). - Kirk

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“Take Me Home” by Shred Kelly

To kick off their latest “virtual tour”, Shred Kelly dropped a brand new video for last year’s “Take Me Home” from their album Like A Rising Sun. The video is touching look at band member Tim Newton’s late father Bud, and one of the most creative “lyric videos” I’ve seen. Check it out, and then join Shred Kelly online every Saturday for the rest of the month. - Kirk

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“Pre Post-Period Blues” by Bad Waitress

I don’t think anything I write about “Pre Post-Period Blues” by Bad Waitress will be better than what Guitarist Katelyn Molgard said in the press release, so I’m just going to put in exactly what they had to say:
“It’s like this: you got yer friggin hormones, your cramps, you forgot to eat, but you need to take Advil, then yer like, "bitch, now my stomach hurts!" and then you get so mad yer like "WHYYYYY?!?"So you slam back a few and then you’re way more drunk than you’d normally be so like, you say some shit to someone and then now yer yelling and THEN some dude’s like “are you on your period?” And so then you turn into a werewolf and eat everyone. Ya know?”
- Kirk

Songs of the Week: Jan 25 - 31, 2021

“Jellybean” by Justin Rutledge

If you’ve seen Justin Rutledge perform live over the past decade or so, you may remember this crowd favourite. Well, after so many years, Canada’s greatest sing-a-long (sorry “Robots”) has finally made its way on to one of Justin’s albums. And to capture the same vibes as the live performances, he’s enlisted the help of Dan Mangan, Matthew Barber, and Annelise Noronha, among others.
Check out “Jellybean” as the first single to his album Islands, due out March 26, and just try not to sing along. - Kirk

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“Samurai Sword” by Chad VanGaalen

Not only are we getting a new Chad VanGaalen album. Not only did we get a new Chad VanGaalen animated video. But we’re also getting a Chad VanGaalen scavenger hunt!
The video for the new song “Samurai Sword” contains Easter eggs scattered throughout, and every week VanGaalen will share a list of some of these hidden objects with a challenge to fans to find them. Check out his website for more details, and watch the video with a eagle-eye below.
Oh, and the new album? It has the best name ever: World's Most Stressed Out Gardener is out March 19 - Kirk

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“510” by Kylie V

Vancouver up-and-comer Kylie V recently released the latest peek of their upcoming album, Big Blue, with the second single “510”. Featuring Kylie’s tender vocals backed by gorgeous strings, the melancholic song swells to an emotional conclusion, that just leaves me looking forward to February 28th. - Kirk