The Morning After Girls / Prelude: EP’s 1 & 2 (Rainbow Quartz) A bit of a departure signing for the mainly power-pop Rainbow Quartz label, Melbourne, Australia’s Morning After Girls offer a druggy, psychedelic stew that’s stylistically all over the map. There’s strummy folkish numbers, screamy punky numbers, hip-shaking dancey numbers… you name it, The Morning After Girls take a swing at it. Some of it is raucous, some of it is dreamy, but there’s a definite dopamine haze over top of everything. I don’t want to use the Brian Jonestown Massacre as a reference point because everyone else has, but really – when you’re right, you’re right. As the title implies, this release is actually a collection of their first two EPs – their debut full-length, Evolve, is out in Australia this week. Any attempts to gauge the band’s evolution by comparing earlier and later tracks on Prelude are stymied by the fact that their running order is mixed up, presumably to offer a more cohesive album-like experience. And it actually works quite well – without being told, you probably wouldn’t guess that this wasn’t a singularly conceived long-player. Side note – one of the tracks also features ghostly vocals from Mark Gardener, with whom they toured earlier this Fall in North America as support for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. MP3: The Morning After Girls – “Run For Our Lives” MP3: The Morning After Girls – “Hi Skies”

The Snowdonnas / Over Now/Hold And Release Okay, this is a bit of an odd one. The album above is actually two years old, though I was sent a copy of it in May along with a CD-R of material that was earmarked for a new EP but is now going to be part of their next full-length, out next year sometime. So consider this a sort of look at the past/look at the future/to hell with the present sort of deal. The Fort Worth, Texas band’s debut, Over Now, offers a rather typically American take on things, favouring a slower, tougher sound than one usually associates with classic British space rock bands. Also strangely typical of American bands in the genre, singer Timothy White’s voice is strong, but rather detached and emotionless. While some of the tracks plod along without really catching one’s attention, the middle part of the album holds some gems. All in all, while not wholly remarkable, there are definite signs of potential… …Which began to be realized on the Sample & Hold EP, which was completed in the early part of this year but only found its way into the world via burned promo copies like the one I got while the band shopped for a label. The most obvious growth between the debut and this effort is the production – there’s a lot more going on sonically. The sound field is deeper, denser and more evocative, and there’s definitely more energy and confidence to be found in the newer material. The songcraft hasn’t taken huge strides forward and White’s voice still isn’t especially strong, but it’s all a hell of a lot more interesting to listen to now. Snowdonnas @ MySpace

Autumn Thieves (MySpace) While the previous two bands flirt with shoegaze styles in varying degrees – Morning After Girls a bit, Snowdonnas a lot – New York’s Autumn Thieves are 100%, unabashed sneaker fetishists. Think Cocteau-esque vocals overtop JAMC walls of fuzz guitar and bass laid overtop dancey drum loops recalling the more butt-shaking moments of My Bloody Valentine, all produced by Andrew Weatherall (Primal Scream, One Dove). The ingredients are quite good and sometimes it clicks, but their insistance, whether deliberate or incidental, on using just a single repeating drum loop under each song keeps them from being great. While it does help with the danceability (though I don’t know if it’s physicially possible to get shoegaze fans to do anything but shuffle uncomfortable), it can get maddening to listen to from a song-appreciation point of view. Give these guys a bridge and they’d be unstoppable. Okay, maybe not unstoppable, but better. The have the whole of their Sunshine EP available online and will be in town at Sneaky Dee’s this Tuesday, November 15 with Bleep, Fjord Rowboat and Dctncrnry as part of a Loveless Music Group show. MP3: Autumn Thieves – “Rachel’s Underground”

np – Aimee Mann / The Forgotten Arm

Over the past few years, the determinedly grassroots Over The Top Fest has become one of the highlights of the year in the local indie circuit. Combining slightly under-the-radar but totally worthy touring acts with local talent in eclectic and entertaining bills, the festival has grown in size and stature every year and looks to kick off its fifth year with a launch party on January 11 of next year. Headlining the event will be Final Fantasy, who will be joined for the occasion by a string quartet, and also on the bill are Akron/Family, who made quite an impression when they played here a couple months ago, and Great Lake Swimmers. It goes down at the Great Hall (Queen W and Dovercourt – no, I have no idea what this place is either) and tickets are already available for $12 at Rotate and Soundscapes.

Also Final Fantasy content – Popdrivel has video and audio of Owen Pallett’s frankly stunning cover of Bloc Party’s “This Modern Love”. There’s a few guffaws at the beginning as the audience recognizes the song, but Pallett tears through it without an ounce of irony (whether it’s actually ironic or not is between Owen and his violin). I love it.

Final Fantasy played a video release party in town this past Thursday night, and Torontoist was there. Not me, another Torontoist. However, while by all accounts the bill was solid top to bottom, they single out the kalimba-powered performance of opener Laura Barrett for praise. This is neat, because I know Laura – I was actually in a band with her for a while, as she was keyboardist/vocalist in Lake Holiday for a few months. We played a show and did some recording (you can grab our cover of The Magnetic Fields’ “Born On A Train” here), but then she just sort of stopped showing up or returning band emails… We didn’t do anything to her, I swear. But hey – good to know she’s alright and making music.

And speaking of Lake Holiday, one of their songs (written and recorded after I left the band) was featured on this week’s episode of Veronica Mars. It’s not documented on the Music Of Veronica Mars site yet, but should be soon. It’s called “Press Record Then Play” and you can hear it on the MySpace page. So while I have nothing to do with the song in question, I still feel some pride about it. Bravo, Brad. I do play on the album which is due out sometime in the distant future from BiFi Records, though. It would have been sooner but apparently the pressing plant lost the masters and the artwork… Yeah, I dunno. It’s been a while, what’s a little longer? Update: Okay, I just watched this week’s ep and the song wasn’t in there. Five Seventeen lied to me. But it should be there in the not-too-distant future. I will report back.

As for me musically (you didn’t ask, but I don’t care), you know what they say – those who can, do. Those who can’t, write. And I write. Actually, I do have a project I’m playing in but (of course), are having some trouble finding a reliable drummer. Anyone in the 416 know anyone? Just asking.

And to backtrack a bit to Final Fantasy, his former bandleader in The Hidden Cameras, Joel Gibb, gave Pitchfork a sneak preview of what Torontonians can expect from their five-night run of shows with The Toronto Dance Theatre at Harbourfront in a couple weeks. This is the second year they’ve performed in conjunction with the TDT, and apparently last year’s shows were amazing. He also talks about the new Hidden Cameras album Awoo, which is due out in the early part of 2006.

Hup! Mogwai’s next album Mr. Beast has a release date of March 7 over here in the colonies (and the day before back in dear old Blighty).

Some My Morning Jacket action – Rolling Stone breaks bread with the guys while Paste takes a tour of Louisville, Kentucky with Jim James. Finally, My Old Kentucky Blog has thoughtfully converted the band’s KCRW session from Thursday into easy-to-digest MP3 form.

Productshop NYC ranks the 100 most disappointing albums of all time, being careful to distinguish between “disappointing” and “bad”.

Dear Fox: I HATE YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. Sincerely, Frank

np – Crooked Fingers / Dignity & Shame

Much joy coming in the form of the latest newsletter from Misra Records. Most exciting is news that Denton, Texas’ Centro-Matic will be releasing their new album Fort Recovery in March of next year, to be preceded by a four-track EP in February featuring one album track and three unreleased b-sides. Misra describes the new record as “the Centro-matic album you’ve been waiting for”. Well yeah, there’s no reason I’d be waiting for the ones I already own. 2003’s Love You Just The Same was a brilliant slab of roots rock and seeing as how they just get better with every record, consider this new one filed under “highly anticipated”. And if you’ve never been, they have one of the most generous MP3-loaded discographies around.

And with all the Okkervil River love I’ve been spouting lately, I’m naturally happy to see that Shearwater will have a new full-length ready for release sometime around April.

I also like what I’ve heard from the new Mendoza Line album, Full of Light And Full Of Fire, which is out November 22. I’ll link the officially available MP3s, but you should head over to Fluxblog to hear “Golden Boy (Torture In The Shed)”, it’s a great tune.

MP3: The Mendoza Line – “Catch A Collapsing Star”

MP3: The Mendoza Line – “Mysterious In Black”

’06 show announcements are finally starting to trickle in – I was getting a little concerned about having nothing left in life to look forward to. Low have gotten around to rescheduling their cancelled show from last June – they will be at Lee’s Palace on January 31. And wildlife-obseesed New Yorkers Animal Collective are at Lee’s two weeks later on February 13 on February 23.

You know a couple days ago when I predicted the backlash for the Broken Social Scene show? You could have set your watch to it. Contrast the Stille Post reaction with the squealing giddiness over at Broken Telephone… People make me laugh. They just love to complain.

The Plain Dealer talks to Bob Mould. Via Largehearted Boy.

You may remember my Sunday Cleaning post where I was impressed with the mysterious band Soft… Well to follow up, it has been revealed to me that they are indeed from New York City and their new self-titled EP is now available at Insound. You can check out the lead track here. It’s good.

MP3: Soft – “Higher”

Filter talks to Peter Hook about projects both New Order and not.

The Times Union goes Q&A with Jeff Tweedy about Kicking Television and touring solo.

Adam Franklin complains to Chart that no one pronounces “Toshack Highway” correctly. Umm, guilty. Tosh-Ack High-Way are at the Drake tomorrow night with Sianspheric. Expect LOUD.

SubPop just got that much more adorable with the signing of New Zealand’s Brunettes. Their next album and first for the label, which appears to be making a concerted effort to be THE pop indie label (as opposed to indie-pop label), will be out in August of next year. Info via Unfinished.

That’s it for today. Moment of silence at 11:00. Have a good day.

np – Bob Mould / Body Of Song

The American Analog Set are NOT breaking up. Honest. For real. They’re just not going to be gallivanting around the country in an old Econoline anymore – nothing wrong with that. But the sorta-farewell angle makes for good press, as some of these pieces will attest. The Toronto Star (Bugmenot) previews their show this Sunday at the Horseshoe. This will probably be your last opportunity to see them play Toronto probably ever, so don’t miss. AmAnSet are great live.

More linkage – Andrew Kenny talks to Pulse Of The Twin Cities about the decision to decamp from his native Austin to go to school in New York City, about the oddness of being a Texas ex-pat in Brooklyn to New City Chicago and about quitting school to hit the road to MetroMix. Furthermore, he talks to The Arizona Daily Wildcat about the progress of the farewell-but-not tour, Boston’s Weekly Dig about why they announced it as a farewell tour, The Straight about the origins of the band and to The Oregon State Daily Barometer about, well, all of the above. Most of these stories are taken from Bradley’s Almanac, but I know Brad loves it when I steal linkage from him. It’s his favourite thing in the world. But this piece for Torontoist? I wrote that myself.

And don’t forget that the demos for Set Free are still being posted weekly over at their website. Check out this week’s:

MP3: The American Analog Set – Sharp Briar (demo)

The Daily Texan goes for a ride-along with Death Cab (via Largehearted Boy) and Sign On San Diego talks to Chris Walla about signing to Atlantic.

Billboard reports back from the first show of Jeff Tweedy’s Fall solo tour.

It’s the bill that’s slowly self-destructing, but won’t die! First The Cribs cancelled, now Longwave have bailed. This – Saturday night at Lee’s Palace… Giant Drag! And, uh… to be determined…

The Wrens continue to get mileage out of The Meadowlands – NME has the video for “Faster Gun”. I guess they’re allowed since the album just got released in the UK… but guys. Come on. New material? Someday?

Keyboardist Bo Koster talks to The Westender about being the new kid on the My Morning Jacket block.

The Independent talks to Alan Moore about magic, art and how much he loves having his works turned into movies. It’s actually his favourite thing in the world. V For Vendetta, the latest loving interpretation of his works, hits theatres March 17 of next year. Coincidentally, it was Guy Fawkes day on Saturday. Anyone attempt to blow up Parliment in celebration?

np – Calexico & Iron & Wine / In The Reins

Time for one of those periodic roundups of all things Broken and Social. The photo of the ladies of Broken Social Scene comes from Fashion Magazine, via Soaring With Eagles (follow the link for a BIG version).

SWE also points us to this video interview CTV did with Feist a few weeks ago when she was in town for a couple sold-out shows at the Danforth Music Hall. PopMatters has a non-talkies interview with Ms Leslie and The San Francisco Chronicle gets some quotes from her – three, exactly.

Moving along, James and Emily of Metric keep a tour diary for The Toronto Star (Bugmenot).

Stars have added a third day and a fourth show to their residency at Lee’s Palace next month. In addition to the evening show on December 16 and the matinee and evening shows on the 17th, they’ll also be playing on the 15th.

And as far as the mothership goes, the big news is that they’ve finally announced a hometown show in support of the new record – circle January 21, 2006 on your calendar, that’s when they’ll play the Kool Haus. Yes, that’s right, the Kool Haus. The jump to a large venue like that has been inevitable for some time now, and I’m personally impressed they’ve managed to put it off for so long. There’ll surely be the typical grousing and bellyaching about the choice, but really – does anyone have any better ideas? A week-long stand at the Danforth? Not likely. It’s a shame there aren’t any larger, more personable venues in this town, but you take what you can get. Tickets are $25 and go on sale tomorrow, and nota bene – this is an all ages shows, so be prepared for ankle biters.

And from the media end of things, a couple of Scenesters who are not Kevin Drew get some air time. Charles Spearin talks to Canada.com and Junkmedia draws Andrew Whiteman’s straw. The Scene are currently on the road in the US, and recently stopped in Dallas – Gorilla Vs Bear was there, and has photos (more photos here). And the band was on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic yesterday – you can listen to or watch the performance here.

Carrying on, I picked up the Oh Canada issue of Under The Radar, in which many things BSS (and not) are featured. I’m only about halfway through the 30+ pages of Canuck-o-centric features, photos and interviews, and am quite impressed at how they’re actually good reading – not standard “Oh look at what’s going on in Canada” fare, but genuinely interesting and insightful stuff with both high-profile and lesser-known artists from across the country. They were smart in hitting the Hillside Festival this past Summer to catch all bright lights of the scene in one place. The mag should now be available in all Chapters and Indigos, and hopefully also in the local independent peridocals seller of your choice.

UTR has improved immeasurably since I first discovered them a couple years ago – the content and direction was always good, but their early issues were rife with poor editing, some questionable layouts and just general growing pains. I’m glad they’ve managed to get through that and are now putting out a top-notch magazine. And Wendy Lynch’s photographs are always nothing short of amazing (More photos here).

Some more shows of the Anglo persuasion: The Psychedelic Furs are in town at The Phoenix on December 13, tickets $25, and The Subways show at the Mod Club that had been scheduled for Decmber 9 has been postponed just a wee bit… it’ll now happen on March 11 of next year. Oh, and those Coldplay dudes are at the Air Canada Centre on March 22.

np – The Wrens / The Meadowlands